Perhaps if they are unaware that a 3D image of a geoid projected onto a 2D plane can cause issues, however every projection will have its own failings whether area, shape or directional (angular). Familiarity also comes into play, and i believe that is more at the root of the issue you bring up.

As for your navigational questions, this Reddit thread may be helpful reddit.com/…/eli5_how_mercator_projections_are_be…