I agree, but that ROI is subject to the law of diminishing returns. Save my spot at Space Mountain, and I have time for lunch. In fact. I may go online six months in advance to reserve that lunch. But eliminate lines entirely with VQ, and I’m not going to buy a second lunch. If I’m waiting for a semi-indeterminate amount of time for my ride notifications, I might linger longer over my current meal, preventing Disney from turning the table for another guest.
Free up a little time, and I’ll browse the gift shop and maybe buy something. Flood the park with others out of lines, and the shops become crowded and unpleasant - not conducive to lingering until something catches my eye.
Given how long in advance people book some TS, and how hard it can be to find a spot to sit in many QS restaurants, I don’t think the parks have the capacity for more people looking to eat.
If I have a little time, I’ll buy a snack and people-watch a bit. But if I have a lot of time, that doesn’t mean I’ll have the appetite for more snacks. There’s only so much junk I can eat before I feel sick, even with unlimited time.
Plus it’s not enjoyable to have to eat standing up (no available benches) in a sea of people. Empty the queues, and the walkways on a random Tuesday will feel like Christmas Eve does now.