I don't think it's fair to use the term 'retarded souls' to describe folk who want to buy and shop at an airport tax-free outlet. A bit harsh don't you think? Whilst it might not appeal to you, clearly it does to a large majority otherwise the shops would not exist.
Whilst I agree the re-modelled Stansted is not ideal, I have travelled through it quite a few times and I don't think it's half as bad as you describe. I've had good and bad experiences at all of our London airports, with the exception of SEN & LCY. But you try and get a cheap air fare to anywhere from LCY, the airport experience is perfect most of the time, that's why you pay through the nose for your ticket. As for SEN, the lack of shops (and customers) must be hitting them hard. They'll be recouping that lost revenue elsewhere, but how long can that go on for is another question. Retail is probably the largest income at an airport after car parking.