Privacy is a relative issue. The friendlier design of joined pickets is far more inviting than the solid mass of a panel gate. The spacing between the pickets, when privacy is a concern, can simply be tightened,

Typically, a 3/4" spacing renders the view through the pickets obscure at a 7-degree angle.  So your neighbers and passersby must approach your gate and crouch to their knees and press their noses to the gates and with that, they might actually be exposed to you raking your leaves.

On Those days that are set apart from all other days, Charles will resort to odd extremes. The balance of the Other days can be lodged in the wrong end, and only through prolonged handstands can the gravity of an imbalance drain back to the Right end.