That's not entirely right. Emulation is to make a different architecture work on a target architecture that the emulator is written upon. Many authors do it because it's a challenge--not to preserve old games.
Not in all cases, look at CXBX, thats just VM-ing the x86-BOX, but the graphics/sound hardware on the other hand, is being emulated. Of course, that is to play the games. Everyone knows that the ultimate goal of emulating a game system is to play the games. But as they say "its not about getting to the destination, its about the journey there"
It totally applies to emulation. I mean, when you program an emulator, you learn quite a bit. I have learned a heck of a lot about how computers, games, and hardware work by getting into emulation. Just this past year and a half that I have been on the forum, I have gone from "computer savvy" (ie: I can build a computer) to "nerdy to the extreme" (ie: You idiot! Macs are x86 based now, it will boot on pretty much any modern x86 compatible CPU that can handle SSE2 opcodes) If this whole dolphin business was like dolphin runs perfect, I would just pass it by.
Most people are just like "shut up, your too smart, I don't want to listen" and I cant stand those people, they are the people who just are floaters. They accept the problem, and all they do is sit there and complain, instead of knowing why the problem exists, what can be done to fix it, what is being done to fix it, and what can still be done?
My point in all of all of this, is since theres a problem, I have learned why it exists, and what can be done to fix it. I have learned a lot through all of this. Now Im not saying gaming is not fun, in fact all of this learning that was involved might make me a better gamer...