Well if the rating difference is significant, a draw will still boost one's rating against a higher rated opponent.
Also, online chess is a great place to practice openings. If I was trying out a risky line, it would be good to know that I could still fight for a draw if things got uncomfortable.
Just a few thoughts as to the "why".
S.
Two sides of the same coin appaerntly.
If someone seems to be "playing for a draw" it is likely because they are unable to find "any offensive moves" or cannot figure out how to proceed for a win. Not everyone plays like a grandmaster, finding ways to attack from every position. Your way of calling their play childish sounds nonsense to me.
I don't understand why some people play for the draw in online chess. We are here to develop our abilities. There are no prizes, no one is going to earn anything but electronic numbers, so playing for a draw seems...almost childish in a way. I do not mean when the endgame is close. I mean the opponent refuses to play any offensive moves to the point where the play does not make sense. I do win most of the time against these players, but it just does not make senese, nor is it fun.