No, sights aren't overrated, but I also think that lasers are under-rated. Irons are faster than almost any other option but require both appropriate contrast and the ability to properly bring the sights in line with the eye.
Personally, I'd rather have a laser than tritium front sight for EDC, but YMMV.
Now ideally, I'd have both, but if forced to pick one, it'd be the laser. Most incidents happen in low light to dark environs where lasers excel relative to irons. Yes, weapon lights are great but only really required for offensive use or defense of others, than self defense IMO (all of my home defense handguns have lights! -- different requirements than EDC). Rear sights, tritium isn't required but generally does help. Relying on tritium rather than sharp edges of irons does detrimentally affect precision most of the time.
Generally in my carry guns, it seems to go (and I up my firearm depending on extent of anticipated threat, anticipated distance from rifles in truck or home, etc):
.22: irons (generally don't carry for self defense, but rather for varmint reasons on the farm/ranch, the minimum gun I carry)
.380: grip laser and fixed irons
9mm compact: light and either grip laser or tritium front sights
9mm full size: light, grip or undermounted laser, and tritium front sights
In central TX, there's only a need for a jacket 4 months out of the year and rarely the need for proper winter coats and according clothing, so calibers larger than 9mm (with modern sd projectiles) are ballistically unnecessary and much more difficult to conceal vs colder environments.
And I almost always have a light on me in addition to the firearm.
