Stupid? Perhaps in some cases. But are you perhaps expecting to much of a layperson? How are they supposed to know that the "access photos" permissions overrides the "location" permission because the "location" permission doesn't even apply to their photo location data.

Sure, we all know this. But this can't be taken for granted.

Do we expect regular users to appreciate that how the location data is stored as exif data within their photos rather than separately. I wouldn't expect this of most people.

Users are human beings. You can affix a derogatory label to them if you want, but deciding that they're not as smart as your ideal of what humans should be isn't useful to anyone except your ego I guess.