Agree.
The terminology 'crate' is used because it makes it sound better, that's all. The crate - a training tool. The crate - their safe place. How lovely and responsible.
In actual reality, it's just a cage though isn't it? A small wire or wood cage that you keep at home, to lock away the dog when it becomes or may become inconvenient. Massively over and mis-used ime.
I can actually see the value of a secure area for short periods when you have a very young puppy or a sick dog whose movements must be restricted. I preferred a puppy pen for ours when she was very young because it was 5 times bigger than a large crate so she still had room to play - and up to 6 months she was in it when we went out or to bed. She was a baby in an unfamiliar environment. At 6 months ish we got rid.
I can also see why a doorless crate may be kept forever...dogs do sometimes want to hunker down under something and be alone. Every so often ours takes herself off to the dining room for a nap under the table...usually after a mammoth walk or if there's a housefull. And the message is very clearly 'i'm done now, leave me the fuck alone'. And we do. And a couple of hours later she'll wander back to spend the rest of the evening on the sofa with us. If we had a crate here, I absolutely believe she'd use it for those times.
But dogs are pack animals and largely want to be with their people. So many times I read of people locking adult dogs in cages for 12 hours a night. Even before they go to bed. 7-7 every night or similar. Or every time when guests are over - talk about how to induce anxiety in a dog every time people are around. Even for work...oh I'm only gone 4 hours, she LOVES her crate, she's fine.
No space to stretch their legs or adjust their temperature. Just stuck there in one tiny cage until someone let's them out.
It's cruel, unnatural and unhealthy, both physically and mentally. But so many people are so captured they can't see it.