It does makes sense, sadly.

I’m surprised people are seeking diagnosis just to have the label. What actual benefits are they getting?

An excuse to not have to live up to standard societal "norms". An explanation for why life seems hard.

Life is indeed harder for some exactly for the reason that societal norms are being imposed on them. Think corporations and the norms they impose on all the industries. I personally work hard to mask my differences but it does take a lot more effort on my part. All these efforts could have been used to be more productive and efficient.

Why should people need an excuse not to live up ‘standard’ societal norms?

In any case someone can be wrong about having autism, but not wrong that they have a particular challenge that others do not.

Self-satisfaction that they are complicated people who are 'working on themselves' because our medical system affords it. It's now commonplace to hear people say things like "It's my OCD acting up" when they don't have obsessive compulsive disorder. And where does that go? Think of the huge numbers of people who take ADD or ADHD meds for 'neuro enhancement' while the larger swaths of people who truly need treatment for those can't afford it.

Would a lesser demand for those meds make them cheaper? I would think it would be the opposite. Many of those meds are available as generics as well.