Many did, in America...just NOT a large portion of the American populace. They were usually eaten with something ( lobster or shrimp salad, chicken salad, or just plain, with a light dressings ) inside the hole that the removed pit left, or as an appetizer.
With salads ...0r by themselves. My farmer nephew dropped off some this weekend. Told me how they have become the rage in Korea and the country has stepped up growing California Avocados, the best.
No Pardons!