We are not all racers. Your friend is probably right from his perspectic.
For me I have one segment that I worked very hard to pass a friend who is a stronger bicyclist. This does not make me better, faster nor even give me bragging rights. But Strava gave me a tool to mark and improve. I love looking at the data but do not think it is a race save a race against myself. It get me out there to compete against myself
+100
for Strava for me