Personally I think it could do without the status and power dynamics. Those other things, sure, as components of intimacy, but ultimately I think it should be about orgasms and babies, and the giving and receiving thereof. I think the giving and receiving of pleasure is an end in and of itself.
In terms of pure thrusting, that is a very narrow view of it. For one thing you're forgetting about sensuality, foreplay, kink, and polyamory, and the immense feeling of satisfaction of blowing off steam that builds up over time.
Simply "sawing away" without emotion or "stakes", it loses value.
People don't just want to have sex, they want to have sex with some people, in some circumstances. Men are less picky (both out of necessity and due to lower consequences), but still somewhat selective, if for no other reasons then opportunity costs.
Nothing is simple about sex.