For me I enjoy mining, It can include exploration, surviving the pirates who tend to attack first before opening dialogue. Even firing a cruise disruptor missile is a pre-emptive attack and often done before the enevitable hail of stop,
It is rewarding and encourages the miner to improve his rep constructively and also encourages you to find alternative routes to the best pay out. ( If you use the forum tuts to find ore and the best sell points you are not playing the game to the full extent)
If you use the right equipment, ID and in the right place to mine then filling "a friends" transport does not take long but using PoBs is better, then you can use your own transport.
Miners are a great breed and very supportive to most other players and faction who are quick to capitilise on the profits.