Well, I would have to agree and disagree in parts. I would agree that many of the TV shows do things for ratings, and they definitely edit the videos to make them more dramatics. Ratings and Viewers are what pays the bills. That is the sad fact of life. Once you get to that point where you have massive crews and productions to create a TV show, the cost is exponential and you have to keep it interesting and keep the ratings up. I'm sure they get pressure from all sides, regardless how dedicated they may be.
As for provoking. I would urge caution for anyone attempting that, you may not always know whats on the others side of that "Phone Call". And I would agree with the fact that many spirits are confused and simply "stuck". But on the other hand not all things are, and just as in life there are things out there in the paranormal world which can be evil and have no other intent but to harm or cause harm. Granted they're not as prevalent as some would have us think, but they do exist. I can't speak for all investigators, but I do know that there are quite a few very valid and dedicated investigators who do provoke certain spirits. One reason is that in many cases they are at a location because they've been asked for help. Its very difficult to help until you can get some form of evidence of their existence, evp, photograph, something. In many the entities which are indeed evil or out to harm are not going to be very forthcoming. They're happy just as they are, and do not generally want that to change. Since the window of investigation and help is generally a narrow one, most investigators do not have the time to spend days or weeks for something to show itself, they do sometimes employ that method. Although I think they should reserve that as a last resort, and only in cases where an evil or harmful entity is suspected. More often than not, simple polite communication is all it takes.