my point is that all the effort to manipulate it demonstrates that it is the seat of power

That's not at all what I mean about it being a false choice.

That's one hell of a hasty generalization. Putting effort into something doesn't make it materially valuable or useful. Lawns aren't a useful cash crop, valuable export or critical infrastructure despite the ludicrous amount of resources spent on maintaining them.

Since they're defined by not voting, they aren't.

Within the framework of a representative democracy not voting when you don't have representation is the same as voting for someone who isn't representative of your interests.