What's the point of peace talks?

[5thHorseman]

That's kind of corny, it's entirely possible to make a self sustaining colony in this game.

It's possible for us. It's not possible for them. They don't even research anything.

Sending pawns out on peace talk quests nonstop is just wasteful.

It would be if it was "nonstop" but one every couple years is far from "nonstop." I frequently piggyback it on an actual quest and just make sure one of my people has good social. Or, send the negotiator on their own if it's only a day away or so and you barely notice they're gone.