For the same reasons I came to AG over 20 years ago (!). But, I think like you, I find that too many of the users come here for ego enhancement at the expense of other members. To many responses to user questions and problems are driven by what product will ’solve’ the problem, too few responses about the problem itself and what solutions are available. Drive out the trolls and merchants I say. Perhaps some DIY stuff like the old days. Say what you will about our prolific contributor, he is a DIY proponent, i.e. open minded.
FWIW, this forum does not represent what I came to audio to experience, yet ’hope springs eternal’. :-)