Poker player types: why are recreational players always so predictable

Every time I end up at a low-stakes table, it just feels like you can spot the recs from orbit. It’s always the same, limp, call, never raise without the nuts, and then go on about how unlucky they got after calling with bottom pair all the way down. Is it just comfort zone? Sometimes I wonder if it’s more about not wanting to look stupid in front of strangers, so they just play super safe and telegraph their hand strength like a semaphore.

Thing is, when someone starts mixing it up or bluffs in spots where most people would fold, it’s almost always a regular. Meanwhile, the recs stick to their own script. For someone who mostly plays roulette, I’m used to systems and random swings, but in poker, the patterns stand out more. I find it oddly relaxing to play with people who just won’t bluff or slowplay - maybe because it means the only thing random is the river, not the way people act. Anyone else seeing the same thing?