So what do you think? Are tropes a useful tool, or are they just a lazy option that should be avoided? Do settings and NPC's deserve to be fully detailed or is it okay to throw in a trope and keep the narrative moving?

Well like you said tropes are tools. A tool is meant to be used when you need it. Lets say the party captures a Mad-Max-style-chrome-boy-raider and they want to question them. By all means, make them unique. Name them Lizard and have them talk about how the Gazebos are apex predators through their DMT haze gained from eating the local wildlife raw and spending to much time in the sun.

Personally, I love tropes. Tropes are shared knowledge and make describing things easier. I don't think I could run a game without them, I just don't have the time.

Welcome to the community. Happy Gaming. Victory by Dice.