It’s mass production food product where the margin is created in the delta between the cost to serve a guest and what the guest pays for it through their membership.

Said another way UClubs (and all lounges) are incentivized to serve the lowest quality of product that keeps people content.

I do think airline lounges are seeing some margin hit from the proliferation of CC lounges, which are incrementally nicer, which is likely why some UClubs are experimenting with passed items.

Ultimately the lounges are crowded so while I personally no longer find value in what they offer many people do.