However, you seem to have a real misconception about the industry ("money-grubbing", etc.). Margins in the restaurant business outside of fast-food are generally really low, and in the actual fine dining segment, even worse (3% would not be unusual there. Go ahead, try running a business successfully at that sort of rate). You are right, they are competing on "experience" but that is because it is what most people seem to respond to - and it is very expensive to deliver that experience. Besides, if not experience - what - convenience? That's where fast-food comes in.
To me personally the middle of the market, particularly the non fast-food chains are the worst trade-off, though I understand why some people love them. I'd much rather play $35 for an entree that was amazing and I have no idea how to make, than $18 for one I could have done a better job of at home for $5... but I'm a good cook and a lot of people aren't or don't have the time.
There are a lot of things not to like about the way it works (many entrees are a loss, margin made up on drinks/desert, servers ludicrously underpaid which pushes their reliance on tips, back of house just ludicrously underpaid, etc.).
I totally get why you might want to avoid the entire thing (and also why others wouldn't) and wish there was more available in the segment you prefer. It's worth remembering though, that to a first approximation nobody is getting rich doing this - most places struggle at best. There are also a ton of people in the industry that really believe (rightly or wrongly) in food and its ability to provide you with experiences you can't easily (or at all) replicate other ways.
Sometimes I want pizza and beer, and that can be 100% as good, too. Usually cheaper if only because it's more efficient, though.
Working hourly is a reasonable thing, though in my case I'm not. The other two are completely unrealistic. Working my job for that extra hour or two just leads to burnout.
When I'm at home preparing a meal my family is there, sometimes helping (watching your 5 year old cut something for the first time with a knife is a scary moment you don't want to miss), sometimes singing in the next room. Either way I make far more than $100/h when I make a meal for my family even though the only money exchanged is what I pay for groceries.
Your second point is, basically, that you like the work (on meal prep). But that is completely besides that point.
The way you should look at this is: would you agree to serve meals for $12 for a neighboor's family of 4? And I bet the answer is no, you would not.
If my neighbors decide that the meals they can buy are good enough that is their choice. I won't enforce "my good taste" on them. I find the value is not there.
The Parts Unknown Nashville episode also had a good look at cafeteria style dining that you may enjoy.
https://explorepartsunknown.com/nashville/when-all-you-need-...
I personally would love such an establishment in my small city.
Chicago version:
https://www.revivalfoodhall.com/
Raleigh version:
http://www.morganfoodhall.com/
And a bunch more:
https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/50-best-food-halls-america-...
https://www.google.com/search?q=cafe+pyrus+kitchener&tbm=isc...
Healthy, inexpensive food. Order at the counter, they bring it to you when it's ready. Bus your own table when you're done. Extremely basic decor, but they're a community spot, with fairly frequent mini-concerts, a monthly poetry slam, etc.
Canteens (stolavaya) are alive and well in Russia, and were my favorite places to eat because of the variety and thrift.
Here's how one is arranged: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ml0F97OZu6k/maxresdefault.jpg
Here's what your tray might look like at the end: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0c/46/f7/cc/...
https://www.prlog.org/10985847-wwwbostonmarketcom.jpg
Or the inside of most any Whole Foods or other upscale grocer.
A food court is different. There are a bunch of vendors surrounding a common eating area. Sadly because it’s America, it’s the same 10 fast food or fast food like vendors in every food court, mostly. You might see more variety in an airport.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYKR9N0VneA/UZ96KquXbYI/AAAAAAAAD...
https://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/b3jONzG2-_wI804mxVBX...
https://r.housebaltimore.com/ has become extremely popular, and several markets are being renovated with a similar approach. The prices vary somewhat depending on the type of stall, but in general they are within a fast-food price-range, not a restaurant.
Mall food courts also have a similar experience.
Unless you work next to the food court, and take the time to figure out what's good, your average stop at one will result in disappointment.
I know of at least one chain [1] in Europe that matches your description.
I would love for nothing more than a basic, no-frills establishment that serves simple, healthy food, counter-service style so I don't have to deal with uppity yet somehow obsequious servers grubbing for tips, as I'm more than happy to bring my own damn food to my own damn table and am more than capable of filling a water glass when I'm thirsty. I'd much rather save money, enjoy my meal in peace and put my dishes in a bin on my way out than deal with the conspicuous consumption as a performance that so much of dining out has become these days.