I think most non-pros choose a trading duration that makes them comfortable. I've hung out at some free paltalk sessions and noticed people going for 2 points with a 2 point stop. They probably don't even realize that they have to win 57.5% of the time to make $10 per-RT with no slippage and a $5 commission.
Likewise, I don't think swing traders realize how much opportunity they're giving up.
I think the proper balance is to add up all your costs per-trade(commission, slippage), and figure out the smallest timeframe that will allow you to make enough profit to make the trade worthwhile. Recent emini daytraders would've probably been wiped out prior to 1996 because of the small trading ranges, high commissions, and large potential slippage (calling orders in and waiting for margin checks to be completed before submission of a order to a pit).
Here's a report I run that shows the opportunity within the SP market for various holding periods. The numbers on top are the holding period (1 = daytrade, 2 = in today - out tomorrow, etc.).
The column next to it is the average range for the holding period for that year. Ex. Under 1 for 1995 you see the total points that could have been won was 1089 and the average trade was 4.3 pts.
You can see how the market has changed over time. With today's 15 pt. ranges, online access, and low commissions it's pretty easy to see that daytrading is the best route. (although hypertrading for 1-2 pts. is not likely to be a high paying proposition).
If the SP drops down to 1996 levels of 620-750 then we'll probably see a further contraction of the trading range and many of todays marginal traders will go out of business.