The main purpose of RAFAT is to generate positive
PR in a number of areas and for the benefit of a number of UK plc organisations, not just the RAF. Socialising successfully is therefore a key factor in their achieving that purpose.
They devote a lot of time and effort meeting and charming the general public who attend the air shows at which they display. They also put resources into Facebook and Twitter, which gives them personal access to the public. This contributes greatly to the public esteem which they clearly enjoy.
A sizeable chunk of their annual costs is provided by sponsorship and the sponsors would not be impressed by standoffish prima donnas. They therefore devote much time and the same effort to achieve perfection in that area as they do in their flying operations.
And they do indeed have to work around funding limitations, especially in the provision of spares and role specific equipment. For example smoke pods.
And to compare their activities with a football team leaves me speechless!