There may be different tiers of pods but, in my experience, pods make a far-worse end product than even drip machines.

The advantage still seems to be in the fast individual cup for relatively cheap. Which kind of makes sense in a shared environment like an office, where you might not want to spend time setting up a brew and waiting.

Also, individualism. Your pod is yours, an individual "unit" of coffee you can do whatever with without worrying about someone else messing up a shared system, or having to share. No need to wait for a whole pot to go, and jump in at the perfect moment so you can make it "your way". It avoids a lot of conflict. Some people are so extreme about hygiene as well. A pod brewer in a busy environment might be perceived as cleaner than a shared pot.

When you optimize for speed, hygiene, conflict-avoidance and hyper-individualism - without regard for quality or avoiding waste, etc. - a pod system is kind of the logical place you end up at.