we really need to find an alternative. is it possible to make an electric leaf blower that is both powerful and quiet?
or forget the leaf blower altogether and pay kids to rake up leaves instead. make it the new paper route. $N per bag.
Especially if you pay some kids to do it? They get exercise and money out of it. We get some peace and quiet.
The difference is acknowledging and caring about the externalities paid by anyone in earshot. Sure, do your noisy cathartic thing occasionally when you really need it, but find a better hobby to do every day of the week.