I can't speak for everyone but, for me, and the people I KNOW that use lights, they are tools. Mine are used as tools, and as such, perform functions. I don't have a "shelf", the lights are in my truck or tool boxes/bags, etc, and they are mostly dented and so forth after a while.....because they get dropped, thrown, etc, and have a working life.
So, sure, they are fun to use, but, so are many power tools, etc. Just because I might ENJOY using a plasma cutter, etc, to do something useful doesn't mean its just a toy.
As for pics, well, its hard to SHOW a light in action, in a pic, that really illustrates how well or poorly it works in a relevant context, for other people. So, yes, most pics seem to be of lights pointed at trees or power line towers or building walls, walls in peoples homes, and so forth.
If I use the lights for disaster response for example, I can't really ALSO take pics...its too distracting and might cause me to miss a clue/not find who/what's being looked for, etc. If I use it for forensic investigations, I DO take pics from time to time, but, can't of stuff that's identifiable or likely to offend a reader, etc. Some pics are with wavelengths that will not display representatively as well, etc.
I see a LOT of dog walking, hiking, and other recreational uses posted here. I would say that is a use as a tool as well.
The "non-tool" uses are out there of course. I'd say that the ones who just collect lights, do white wall shots and keep them in display cases might fall into that category. That would be akin to collecting stamps, in that they collect them, they look admiringly at them, but really never stick them on an envelope and use them as postage.
For them, its still a hobby, they just enjoy a different aspect of their lights.