Maybe 'mindless flipping' is the wrong term here for what is really just giving maximum scoring possibilities a lower priority than keeping the ball alive and making a shot that seems fun.

I mean you are still aiming, it's not mindless, also still assessing risk/reward but the reward bit is a lower priority.

I find it depends a lot on the machine, some play really well as 'practice' machines where you can just go a set a non score based goal. Also on the social situation. If i have a competitive mate with me then i will give scoring more consideration than if i'm playing alone drunk.