Wouldn't the first person/country to reach get to put a flag there? Is that, like, an important thing?
Discussion
Seems incredibly stupid to 'shoot a wad too early' just to do it.
Boredom is really a thing. May as well destroy the earth because no other option than to either be lemming or stand out in history some way (insert bumper sticker about well behaved women rarely making history).
I don't have the complete solution to this; i highly doubt any evolved organism anywhere (light years away or otherwise) does. Sex is fun. Socialization can happen without a higher purpose.
Having children because religious and cultural expectations has always seemed wrong. Maybe because i have been mind controlled since birth.