Personally I like several "types" of restorations in the car hobby. 1) frame off done back to what it would of looked like in the dealers showroom. Over-stickering every piece turns me off a little, but no big deal. 2) Day 2 type restorations that align with my high school days in the early '80's, 3) survivor type preservations - faded paint, a little rust is ok, crusty engine.
I get my "fun" by restoring a crusty part, driving the hell out it on the street, or just sitting in my garage on a bar stool with a cold beer in my hand just looking at the car and "bench racing" with some friends. Though I'm not into Pro Street, Tuners, or Restomods, I don't begrudge anyone for doing it - my guess is they are getting their own version of fun out of it.
Money-wise, I don't like to feel like I 'lost my a$$" on anything but as others have said, ya don't make any profit off a hunting trip to the Canadian Rockies either and that's a one time event. At least in this hobby I can get my enjoyment every single day I choose and it might only cost me whatever a 12 oz beer goes for these days
