Well...it's an "extra" activity, not the only activity. Little distractions whilst you conduct Patrols and vanguard bounties, they're designed to add a little variety to proceedings, much like Blades used to and Public Events. I understand why you're frustrated, but you've found a really inefficient way of playing the game, and it's spoiling your enjoyment - sadly, you need to change the way you think of playing the game