I love how when I came to the forums a few minutes ago, your post is right next to this one:
But, to answer your question, I think it just comes down to you misinterpreting peoples’ motivations because you are projecting.
Not everybody is trying to “maximize gains” or play in a way that most efficiently converts their time into game rewards. Whether you believe it or not, many many people choose to play a game they spend their time and money on in a way that is fun to them. What is fun for people isn’t something you get to choose for others. Some people enjoy spreadsheets.
They are simply doing what is most fun for them.