Just to say, Gridcoin at present is not something you do for profit. Certainly an investment for the future though.
At present it is a way for people who donate computing power to science and good causes to offset there electricity costs.
The biggest draw is that you are supporting research, and you can choose which projects to support for the good of mankind. It is a way of encouraging charitable donation to computational scientific issues.
Current Proof of Work (PoW) cryptos waste so much potential power and the associated energy, it is ridiculous. This power should be going to something useful.
Source: Pick one of these https://www.google.com/search?q=crypto+mining+energy+usage
You are right. It's not profitable rather just a cause to contribute to while you are watching movie, reading a book etc. You could really use your idle time for something that is better for all of us while earning a few coins on the side.. Thanks for commenting.