For many of us, the preference isn't down to liking the commute itself but because we choose to work in a different town to where we live. In my case I like living in a rural village even if it means a 1.5 hour commute into London each morning. It's still worth it for the tranquility I get on evenings and weekends. Plus the commute still works out significantly cheaper than buying a comparable place closer to the city.
So while I don't like the commute, I do still prefer it to living closer to London.
A majority of people don't have to prefer something for it to become standard. It's possible for only a minority of influential or vocal people to prefer commuting for it to be widespread.
In that case, 'they' prefer it, not 'us'.