I would guess at least some of the issue is that most users don't show a preference for faster smaller software, especially because it doesn't benefit them if a

I would guess at least some of the issue is that most users don't show a preference for faster smaller software, especially because it doesn't benefit them if a product uses less RAM and CPU. Displaying a UI is better than a text mode interface. Icons that don't look jaggy on the screen are nicer than ones that do. Anti aliasing, gradients and drop shadows make things look nice. Drag and drop that has a pretty animation is nicer than drag and drop workout. It is the same reasons people choose a BMW when a Corolla does pretty much the same job. People pay the cost they want to live with. In the trade off between functional and thrifty and pretty and feature packed, the latter nearly always wins.