I definitely agree with you that traditional games like Hearthstone do not provide any financial benefits to the player.

However, there are plenty of card games, or turn-based competitive games where you don't have to invest, and can just play for 20-30$.

I also like the Splinterlands economy and would like to profit myself.

I just think that the game is generally too little motivating in all leagues but especially in novice and bronze, which is bad to inspire new players for Splinterlands.