Are we to understand that people are using the metaphor out of a cultural tradition, and not because it still applies to the situation or is accurate? By rote,

Are we to understand that people are using the metaphor out of a cultural tradition, and not because it still applies to the situation or is accurate? By rote, if you will, and only because other people understand our message even though the message is no longer truly descriptive of reality? Sounds like we're 'cargo culting' the phrase 'cargo cult'.