I don't play the CGs for the rewards, however with this CG I made more cash with the pure trading element than any other of the older CGs. I play the CGs because I meet other players in the Mobius group. For a time the CGs stopped and I found myself not loading Elite Dangerous as much. The reward at the end of the CG isn't the point for me, its the fun of doing it. Chatting to other pilots etc
This is how I like to play, its not for everyone so as others have posted, if its not for you don't play it. However Elite Dangerous allows the player more freedom than any other game I know. Bethesda are famous for their Open Worlds where you can play their game how you want, however even their games don't allow the freedom ED does.
Find your way of playing it, if the goals aren't for you there are so many other ways to play. I don't like PvP , never been interested so I don't do it. I don't complain about it because others love it.