Penguina,
I can't speak for anyone else, but what keeps me flying isn't the pleasure of having a powerful, complex machine, top avionics and general luxury (obviously ) but the pleasure of having and using skills.
You certainly speak for me. Flying is a fascinating and broad subject. I think I have learnt more in the last two years than in the previous twenty! My main wish is to utilise this skill for a purpose, be that for a living (possible, but chancey), as a part-time instructor (rapidly becoming my preferred option) or as a serious mode of transport (occasionally practical).