But you can pretend BTC has a purpose.

This is true, nonetheless...

Maybe the monetary value isn't always the point? I would argue most of human happiness comes from things that don't make economic sense.

Why is everyone zapping?

This is mostly a function of everyone using LSPs instead of opening channels with their friends. "But muh easy of use" is the biggest detriment to lightning usage. Everyone is used to prebuilt solutions sold to you at the price of your privacy and data protection with a nominally "free" pricetag.

but people running the nodes are not looking for profits, they are looking for fun!

LN fees lining Elon Musk's pockets while decentralization dies.

Which is why I crack up when people try to use a small zap as an indication of their disinterest, it’s paying them more than they are giving for their insult.

LN fees serve Masters of Blockchain, not users, just like Visa and Goldman Sachs.

Efficient systems prioritize value, like our bodies prioritizing animal nutrients.