Ken, A2 has a place in both chisels and plane blades, and it does a very decent job within its parameters. It may have come to popularity among toolmakers for the reason that Kees mentioned, but it has earned its keep.
Many years ago, shortly after Blue Spruce had begin making chisels, I was in the market for some chisels I could dedicate to dovetailing. I liked the small and delicate blades of the BS, but I was unsure whether I wanted A2 steel, for the reason that you cite, above. That is, how would you have a sharp edge when it needed to be 30 degrees? It occurred to me that all my Japanese bench chisels were 30 degrees, and this fact made me reason that the bevel angle was less important than the ability of the blade to do what you wanted, that is pare and cut. I purchased the BS, and I have found them exceptionally fine chisels
to use. Theory does not always transfer to practice. You have to use tools to find out if they deliver. The BS deliver. I have been critical of their edge holding compared to White Steel and PM-V11 (my
review of 4 chisel steels is here), but they get very sharp and hold an edge longer than O1. They are a delight in the hand.
The fact is, all chisels that will be hit will a hammer or mallet
need a minimal bevel of 30 degrees.
I have a set of Boxwood Marples. I really like their lightness and delicacy. In this, they come closest to the Blue Spruce. Mine are honed at 25 degrees, and only used for paring. I have a set of vintage Stanley 750 (with custom handles, close to Veritas, both of which I like very much, and modified blades, similar to LN). They are also light and nice in the hand, but have a limited endurance in the heavy, hard woods I work. It makes sense to me to just accept this and, like the Marples, hone them at 25 degrees for paring. Horses for courses.
I have a set of Veritas PM-V11 with 30 degree bevels. I like the balance of the smaller ones, but the thicker blades make them heavier than I prefer as they reach above the 1/2" mark (I'd love to see a set of PM-V11 with a reduced blade thickness). Their forte is as an all rounder, and they excel in this disguise. This is the set that live at my bench. They can take more punishment than any other chisel other than my Koyamaichi dovetail chisels (which are not used without a gennou, and therefore are more specialised).
Having made these notes I must add that these are my personal thoughts based on my personal experiences. Yours may vary. I expect them to do so.
Regards from Perth
Derek