> Mathematics isn't a way to keep a specific kind of intellectual happy by providing fun, meaningless puzzles to solve in isolation.

Yes it is. At least in part.

> It's the bedrock of all other science.

Yes it is. At least in part.

> The goal is to find solutions and to advance the field

That is only one of the goals - but it is not the goal.

> we seem to be treating it like some sort of occupational therapy for bored geniuses.

I certainly hope not.

> Many solutions AI can find can bring us closer to these - so let's fire up whatever datacenter we can find and get us to these outcomes.

This has nothing to do with your earlier points, but absolutely - let's do that!

If I may, I think that in general, you are confusing math-as-tool with math-as-art.

Most math degrees literally give out a Bachelor's of Arts.

It is a tool at some points, art at others - and sometimes the art happened to become a really important tool.

By all means, use AI for building tools.

But you can't ignore its deep rich history as an art.