[neysofu]

They are not – if the goal becomes to capture the king, and check-related rules are removed from the game, stalemates become impossible.

[dudinax]

Im not sure stalemate accounts for most draws at the highest level.

Getting rid of check does make for a better game at beginner levels.

It's both easier to teach and leads to exciting finishes ss noobs hang their king.

[charlysl]

Trying to force or avoid stalemate is a huge motive in top level endgames though regardless of whether they actually end in stalemate or not.

[doctor_phil]

There are a lot of endgames that are drawn because of stalemate though. Many pawn endgames ( e.g. pawn and king against lone king) are drawn because of stalemate, but would be a win in most cases if stalemate didn't exist.