It is doubtful anyone holding any position on the topic does not understand all points-of-view. However, there is a clear disconnect though.
Games can be labeled meaningful or meaningless by fans. Either label does not dictate who influences the outcome of the games, which are teams and not fans.
One thing is certain. Some fans have made it crystal clear that their favorite team winning games means something to them until something of importance to them takes precedence. That item of importance is a higher draft position. Of course, the only party with any influence in acquiring the higher draft position is the team and not the fans wanting that specific circumstance to happen.
Essentially, some fans are placing themselves in the shoes of the general manager, coaches and players. It is a nonsensical act for self-validating "what must be done in the best interest of the franchise." Actually, it is simply an opinion that others, who know they do not influence wins or losses, would not be as concerned about IF not for the continual suggestions that 'everyone else' should root for losses.
Thus, one group of fans continue doing what they have always done. They root for their team to win games, knowing wins, losses, ultimate draft position and actual player acquisitions are outside their control. Why? Because the circumstances for supporting their team winning games has not changed in reality. On the other hand, another group of fans believe hoping for losses, resulting in higher draft position by consequence, has some undefinable yet real direct contributory meaning useful to the franchise in regards to next April's draft. None of the former is based in fact of course.
Is that contradictory? Perhaps. One group of fans will simply root for wins like always because that is the nature of spectator sports. Another group of fans will root for losses as if doing so makes any difference in the present or next April.