False dochotomy. Pure often leads to applied, applied often leads to pure. What is often regarded today as pure maths has its roots - perhaps long ago - in questions from real life.
Puzzles arise from the real world, and they arise from abstract structures. Regardless, they are puzzles to solve, and the techniques of pure math and applied math can be used.
Thing is - not all students like puzzles, not all students like curiosities, some students actively want stabilty and assurance.
From what I recall of working in academia while the "pure maths" vs "applied maths" is certainly a false dichotomy, there were certainly mathematicians who made it very clear as to which side of that dividing line they were located!
Puzzles arise from the real world, and they arise from abstract structures. Regardless, they are puzzles to solve, and the techniques of pure math and applied math can be used.
Thing is - not all students like puzzles, not all students like curiosities, some students actively want stabilty and assurance.
Some people aren't cut out to be entrepreneurs.