"Writing is supposed to make you and your readers better human beings." Hey Tim. These are some great perspectives, and like most things in life, there's good and bad in what you suggest, just like there's good and bad in all those viewpoints that nearly made you quit. Since you used the example of doing push ups and the whole health angle, consider this: Not everyone has the same objective on their get healthy journey. That means what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all. Nor are their goals and objectives the same, therefore their routines shouldn't be expected to be. Also, some or more committed than others, their circumstances vary, etc. All this can be applied to writers. Sorry, but writing is absolutely fun to me - NOT hard work. The hard part is making it pay. Thanks for your very valid views and cheers to whatever works for you :-)