Eh I can completely understand the drive to conquer something. I don't think people are looking for hero status, they're looking for the self gratification of life accomplishments. And they provide income to the Sherpas that the Nepalese need. It's not like someone's holding a gun to a sherpa's head and forcing them up a mountain or starving their children. Like any tourism, it's a boost for the economy.
People don't just decide to hike Everest, they train for years.