Dirk Gently Not devalued to the family and friends of those subject to the tribute, no - but who are they? I have no knowledge of who I'm being asked to pay tribute to, which makes clapping along pretty much a tickbox thing - there's no sincerity involved because there's no knowledge or relationship.
That's just basic empathy. If you're not sincerely showing empathy, don't join in, if you don't want to. Or do. Whatever.
As to not understanding what people get out of it. Let's hope you and I and others never have to find out.