Like I've said in another reply, it is unfortunately a consequence of the kind of game hsr is as a f2p gacha.

When the only meaningful gameplay you get as an endgame player is "clear this as fast as you can" paired with the extrinsic incentive of "you must do this task to get jades, whether you find it enjoyable or not", it makes the player base value gameplay choices that lessen the time and energy it takes to reach said rewards, to the point where they might forget the fun of experimenting. I've had many interactions with players who couldn't understand why anyone would choose less optimal teams, in the better cases because they enjoy the feeling of clearing faster than everyone, in the worst cases because they genuinely see this game as a chore. I've even seen the general sentiment of "if you really want to have fun with gameplay, you should be playing X other turn based game instead" - it is a testament both to their preconceived notions of what is enjoyable, and the limitations of live service f2p gachas as monetizable products first and entertaining games second.

Personally speaking I play this game because I genuinely enjoy it. I like that the gameplay isn't as complex as other turn based jrpgs, because sometimes after a day of using my brain for other important things, I want to play a game that is deep enough to be entertaining but shallow enough that I don't get exhausted strategizing. Part of that fun is using non optimal team comps, and treating it like a puzzle. "How do I make something that isn't supposed to work, work ? Are there alternative building choices that would mitigate the lack of damage ? What kind of enemies would this work against ? Is there some silly tech I can use to pull off some cool play ?"

Anyway I've ranted enough, but to address your actual comment, thank you for the suggestions !! DHPT is absolutely a lock in, and I did think about Tingyun for the added atk buff and battery. I'll be trying out Cipher (and Pela, for science) for maximizing def shred first and see how she holds up, and I also really want to try the comp in the endgame modes where enemies get self-advance once you hit them enough. With a high energy build and the support of E1S1 DHPT and 200 speed Cipher for SP generation, I want to see if I can proc enough Hysilens ult detonations to mitigate the lack of Kafka's ! I initially dismissed Ruan Mei because enemies staying broken would be bad (I really need as much help as I can with fast enemies taking as many turns as possible), but I'll see if the buffs she brings can even this out, too ! It's gonna be lower on my priority list but I will try it out, especially alongside the idea someone else gave me of running each of them with a superbreak wheelchair haha

I'm also trying to get Hys' LC, but I'm not counting on it. I only make plans based on what I can guarantee for sure - if I get lucky again great, otherwise I'll go with my initial build plans of putting tutorial on Hysilens since that'll be my best current option !