Wow that sounds like 10's of thousands of opportunities to meet, network, whatever, squandered. I always choose a quiet conversational place for lunch, and always with somebody. If not somebody on my project right now, then a contact I haven't visited with in a while.

There is powerful stuff in sharing lunch. Especially if you pay.

Lunch during work is a great chance to add some joy to the middle of your day. You spend so much time at work, why not leaven it with something delightful?

(I understand the expense arguments, but I think it's a false economy, without specific goals, and isn't worth much regard on software engineering salaries.)

Sometimes yes, other times you just want to eat. But even if you look for nice place, itis different.

Date, familly dinner, celebration and similar all take time. You are comfortable being there for two hours. With lunch, you want be shorted then that.