I can see some point and merit in trying to build up long term strength and resiliance in your empire by making long term yielding investments.
It's a very good thing to fall back to whenever you are in confusion as to what the next step should be.
But if you are in such a situation, the game is already at risk, as you are lost and wander aimlessly.
Those games tend to be lost for reasons such as:
"Oh, my economy is finally doing great and I have all this infrastructure! Lets make a plan for how to win the game next turn."
*End turn*
"Gilgamesh has launched a spaceship"
"Oh ****, oh ****, need to nuke his capital asap!"
*Emergency actions for 6 turns.*
"Mansa Musa has won a cultural victory!"
"T_T"