If the project is promising and satisfies the recommendations, then it is worth to pass KYC. but do not forget that scammers and simply failed projects are still there, so be careful that your data is not captured by third parties.
That is the reason why you shouldn't give credentials to ico starters and airdrops. Frankly, KYC for airdrops is almost like selling your information for 2 dollars.
Your observations is correct and timely: naturally KYC is meant for investors and not for bounty hunters! Investors KYC is needed because of the funds they are investing especially if the money is above $1000 any amount less should not attract KYC.
There are rules and laws in each country when company need to do KYC and i don't think they need kyc for airdrops.