Not to mention the fact that most people wouldnt believe that a plane can do that without actually seeing it.
The high speed stuff is fun to, as is smoke...but people tend to get out of their seats more for 3d...
Now you're correct in saying that they arent awed at the skill...they just think that its more dangerous and they might see a plane crash...
We're human...we dont want anyone to crash, but if they do, we want to see it!