Because I enjoy it. Nothing more complicated than that.
To get away from the wife.
The people, such a fantastic community, I have never felt such a part of anything as I do within the caving scene.
I have never met another group of people like cavers. I think it is because it isn't really a sport, it is an exploratory activity coupled with an immense amount of science. Caving is also an inexpensive activity (less so since entrepreneurs realised there was an expanding market) and a great social leveller. You would think divers would be natural explorers but most I have met have no interest in the marine life they see apart from that they can eat;or they are kit obsessed. It is quite depressing really trying to get them to do anything useful. Things are improving thanks to organizations like Seasearch. OR will back up me up re divers. He carried on because he got interested in wreck identification.
the "caving community" sneers at individuals who operate outside of it, or even within it using "outdated" or "inadequate" or "non-standard" gear or methods.
Because I want to. No noble intentions, no getting away from anything, it's just something I want to do. As long as I continue to want to, and am physically able, I'll do it.
As for snobbery? If the kit is safe, and the methods sound, that's fine. I prefer an Anthron descender if I know the rope will be clean. Now, if someone is being dangerous or using cobbled together tat that seems likely to fail, then snobbery is the bare minimum I would be dishing out.