There may be benefits but most of the time research is done for profit
So what? You're talking to someone who does research for profit. Your implication is that my (well technically not my specifically but people like me) underlying motivations are not to help people. To which I take offense. Whats wrong with profits AND making the world a better place?
Because I've worked with nurses who tried to get funding and grants for research to help children and family health, there was no profit for big companies involved and no grants were given. This happens all the time and you know it.
I know the dark underbelly of research and grant world. Most of the funding for research comes from too large to fail corporations and government officials that depend on corporations to give them a job or fund their campaign running for office. The world of research is one big circle jerk.
You are the one that chooses to be offended or not offended...that is called true freedom. You have a choice...