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.