Fully agreed on your points Tobias, that's mystified me since I've been living in Asia. The reasons vary somewhat among different countries here (and different people within a country). Can be space, income, knowledge/education issues etc., but a lot of it just comes down to cultural differences/perceptions.
Yeah it is wierd IMHO how people keep their fish. I feel bad for puting an possible pregnant stingray that about 35cm over her disc in a tank thats 150x60x60cm but its temporary for her. Her new home is finished today.