I think that while there is not fiscal profit, there is profit. The ability to create, discover, and contribute to an existing world is, in my opinion, a profit. Therefore, if things aren't going as smoothly or quickly as hoped, then there is the possibility of less profit, the profit being the growth of the world. Also, afaik devs do want players to enjoy what they've done. This enjoyment from the people experiencing the world they've helped shape is a profit too.
I'm not particularly money driven. If I'm doing something for money, it is because I need the money for something else. I prefer to do things I enjoy and can learn from.
If I'm wrong about this, I'm sorry. This is just my opinion.