Like everything, you cut your cloth according to your resources be these time, money, wishes etc..
For those that do long trips, they may have better access to planes that they can take on long trips which will inevitably mean more than one or two hire "slots" from the local school. They may also have more money and/or more free time. Whilst they might be lucky to have this, it doesn't mean that other folk who are stuck with only being able to hire a plane for an afternoon are doing anything that is wrong.
I would say that one of the best days flying was when we visited three local aerodromes around London, had a short stay for a cuppa at each then moved on. There was no rush, and it was a great day. I also can say that some of the longer trips I made (ending up in Ibiza once) was also a great trip, but to be honest there were bits of the long flights over France where there was literally no change in the scenery, no one to talk to on the radio that we ended up playing I-Spy to keep us alert!
So it is all down to what you wish to do, maybe limited somewhat by your resources. Most people would probably fly more if on an unlimited budget (I know I would!!) but part of the pleasure is eeking out a lesser budget just to do a trip over a local landmark for an hour every now and then. Certainly there is no need to be envious of the long trip guys, they dont get as much joining / landing experience as those who potter around local airfields!!!