I’d never do a day trip for that very reason. Rip off shite. Get to see nothing or nowhere. Take in three countries for half the price.
Horses for courses.
Sometimes (when it's not a final) they are like under £280 and it means only 1 day off work when days are tight for me.
Often they sell out later, so you can leave the decision much later. (And cheaper than the fully booked flights).
And also sometimes we end up in cities I've been to at least once or twice, so no real desire to spend another 3-4 in. (I'll scream if I go back to Porto, as nice as it is!).
The Rome one for 'free time' was poor. Others have been much better.
But easy to understand and appreciate they don't suit some.