Indeed, but a CPL is almost worthless
It is, but its another stepping stone.
Most professional qualifications are of little value in themselves but they are a necessary rung on the ladder.
For commercial ops an aoc is a prerequisite and they are tough to come by; as you say only the most committed cowboys get through, by which time they may have swaped their badge for a sherrifs.
I have raised the issue before but i always find the idea of pleasure flights wrapped up as a trial lesson a bit dubious. I know of schools that offer trial lessons and circumstances where i think both parties know there is no intention of the trial lesson leading to anything further. Does the trial flyer understand the additional risk of a pleasure flight in a sep? I guess not. However equally i guess the instructor is more likely to say no when he should than a newish ppl.