Sod is money. Sod is status, as well as status quo. We can reduce the need for maintenance and chemicals if we work at it. All of these comments are describing the key feature of lawns.
Lawns are a cultural entity.
Pure and simple. They don't care if they ever use it - run through it in bare feet to enjoy physically that lush creation. In fact, many of them adamently insist that it not be used. I think, in part, it is because it is so difficult to create a lush green lawn. As others have said.