Yes, and movies are just movies. Yet the history of film is one of people being swept up into worlds and the lives of characters that transport them, for a time, into someplace different than their real lives. He understands what you're trying to say...no need to keep repeating it. The logic simply doesn't apply. If you did not feel a sense of immersion, you wouldn't play games at all. Destiny was sold to people on promises that it would be a story you could feel part of. It failed to do that, as the OP eloquently points out.
Sure, but plenty of other games have managed to achieve this desired level of immersion. It's not unreasonable that gamers expected to find at least the level of in-depth gameplay we've gotten used to in other titles that banty about the RPG and/or MMO titulature.
RPG's are good at blending a deep, interesting story with loot hunting and upgrading. Unfortunately, Bungie forgot half the formula. That's why this game has no personality, and appeals only to gamers who suffer from OCD.