Some people dont have the time to do the grind but want
to enjoy other aspects of the game (higher levels, better
dungeons, equipment etc.) But dont have the time to do
the tedious grinds these games put forth prior to that. Of
it being sad and pathetic well depends on your viewpoint.
On 1 hand yes it can be a shortcut to happiness on the
other it can be a smart thing to do. As an example if
you're earning $20+/hour and 100game currencys is
going to take you a couple of hours if not days to save up.
But you have an option to buy 100credits for $5 you may
want to go that route. Especially if very repititious and
boring segment parts of the game design is required to
accumulate those credits.

Or as an example i've had an NFL player level his character
for us during his training season bec. He didn't have the
luxury of time to level his second character bec. he
wanted to try a priest as compared to his shaman.

I believe game design has a lot to do with it.. with ratios
of time spent:satisfaction gained.