The main uses I’ve seen Mark Rosewater get out of the psychographics are two things:
- explaining why they printed a card you didn’t like
- as a guide to inspire set design so they make sure they are making cards that appeal to each of those broad groups
I’m not a card designer so I don’t have to design cards or defend them to the unwashed masses. But for me the psychographics are still useful because act as a reminder that there is more than one way to get joy out of a game, and that just because something doesn’t appeal to me doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be happy it is in the game, because it might be making someone else happy.
It’s good to keep in mind what the psychographics don’t cover. Other reasons, like social ones, why someone might enjoy sitting down and playing a game of Netrunner. Other reasons, like Vorthos and Melvin considerations, why someone might appreciate a card.
I suppose the other benefit of psychographics is I like sorting myself. As much fun to decide that you are a Johnny/Timmy hybrid as it is to place yourself in Ravenclaw, imo.