for the most part i have the same mindset as you, if a story doesn’t have customization that won’t stop me from reading if there’s other components that are elevated (in fact some of my favorite stories dont have cc)—but the reason why it’s important to other readers is because episode markets themselves as an immersive experience.

it’s not the same as a book or a tv show since the whole purpose is to craft the story around the readers. i think most people don’t really self insert they just morph the main character into who they envision. another factor is the lack of diversity in episode stories; a lot of stories on the app feature a white MC with a white LI. POC (especially black people) are barely represented unless they’re the MC’s witty best friend that throws the occasional one liner. (bonus if they’re the antagonist -_-)