Have you ever lived in modern society? Its basically occupational therapy keeping you busy with maintaining your <insert local environment>. And its hugely popular.
Have you ever lived in modern society? It's basically occupational anti-therapy keeping you busy with paperwork for rich people. And it's hugely unpopular, but the bad guys have all the resources and weaponry, so it hasn't changed yet.
Jesting aside, that is the traditional role of games IMHO: let you experience society's mechanisms in a reduced, non overwhelming way, and get better at it with no/less fear of consequences.
I understand what you are talking about, but i just dont have that perspective. I just came back from replacing the mudgard and drivers door on a Citroen. Its going back to service in these minutes.