Your experience in SL is typical. However, there is much more to what's going on that you realize. The "empty clubs, malls, senseless gatherings" are unfortunately true, as you describe. But, if you really want a behind the scenes tour of what is really happening and why, and a serious view of both the significant social and business phenomena, please look me up inworld and I'll be happy to introduce you to people and places very unlike what you see on the surface.
I am not from Linden Labs, and this is not spam or promotion. I am an inworld business person with good neighbors, and great opportunities being realized. And yes, my Second Life name is "Wiz Nordberg" :-)