What *is* the point of a bunch of jet jockeys doing stupid pet
tricks with multi-million dollar hardware that's the property
of the American people ?

I know its a waste of breath, but here goes. Most, if not all of
their maneuvers are used in combat situations. What they are is a
recruiting and marketing tool, appealing to the testosterone teenagers
in the target audience.
Are they totally necessary? Depends on your point of view. Will you
and I ever agree on this. Not without some good drugs on both
sides.
cheers
Frank