People like you describe don’t want to play the game

I think this is part of the problem I have.

Are they still pressing buttons and making input? Yes.

Thus, they're still playing the game.

If you want to sound less judgmental, stop saying they're not "playing" it or that "they don't want to play it" just because they're not "playing it the way I think is right."

If you really think its okay, accept that when they are still pressing buttons and interacting with the game, they are still functionally playing the game. Not playing the game is watching a Let's Play.

It's a pointless distinction rooted in treating people who want an easy mode as "lesser" because "they don't want to actually play the game." Sorry, sick of hearing it worded this way.