I worked for ten years at what was the worlds largest, telescopes. The Kecks in Hawaii.
These guys have quite a racket going and yes anything that allows them to publish a paper, is exciting for them.
Grant money, donor money, NSF money, et al.
Most professional Astronomers are very well paid for doing what most people would consider a “Hobby”.
I agree, a lot of “professional astronomers” like to grandstand. Lots of grant hounds. Same goes for those in other sciences.
You upset Pele by being on top of Mauna Kea…
The locals have been protesting the TMT for years.