Do you like movies even if they don't make sense to you?

I wouldn't say that. He's obviously aware of what people like and that puts you in a tough spot as a creator to create independently because external forces are pushing you in a certain direction. Dougie is a good example. Was that an intentional subversion of expectations for that character or was that his plan? Did he change his plans for Cooper because he realized people liked him? Who the fuck knows?

Twin Peaks was always culturally aware. That's why it was framed as a soap opera despite having some dark, weird, even supernatural themes. Even if he did cater in what you mention, he did that to begin with. He warped what you would expect even when you expected the warping. Look at Blue Velvet.

I don't think he does it cynically or to pander. He's simply aware that art is part of a larger environment and creators do react to what is being said about their works. I can't criticize him as a panderer.