It occurs to me to that sometimes "silly" projects can also lead to practical applications. Mainly I think I'm struck by how many techy people have the impulse

It occurs to me to that sometimes "silly" projects can also lead to practical applications. Mainly I think I'm struck by how many techy people have the impulse to pursue these quirky projects, and how there is sort of a poetic spirit to it under the techy exterior. As you say, it's certainly a more interesting and creative use of time than sitting on the couch watching TV.