I never said buying one was silly. I did once ask why an individual would own one when it takes multiple people to launch one, and got a really informative answer. To me a mission is something purposeful. Every airplane on the face of the planet is fun.
I understand your point, and I don't take offense... but as Matt put it so well, soaring- or even just taking a "sleigh ride" isn't quite so frivolous as other activities involving "toys".
The purpose is the same as with any primarily recreational form of flying: the "intangibles" that make even flying from A to B on a "mission" more fulfilling than driving (aside from the time saved). Beauty, challenges, freedom.
And requiring helpers to soar, despite the obvious logistical complexity, is really a bonus: it's more than the usual hangar BS session (although there's plenty of that), it's all very beneficial for any airman's mindset.
I'm not saying nonpowered flight is superior- I'll leave that to the glider snobs (none of whom lurk here, I think).
In one sense-utility- there's no comparison between gliding and even the most modest powered airplane; it's not really a factor in determining the "point" of soaring. But in many other ways, gliders offer so much of what makes flying fun, challenging and exciting that the limitations and inconveniences are well worth it.
It's sort of like comparing serious traveling by personal airplane to flying with an airline, or driving the same trips: Sure, you might be somewhat more likely to be delayed by weather, maintenance issues, or health issues (most of us would drive or ride as a pax when we don't feel up to acting as PIC), but it's still worth it to try. There's just more to it than going from A to B with maximum efficiency: the stuff an airman craves.
And as with traveling with one's own plane, "fun flying", in gliders or anything else, usually works out despite the limitations.
