Yeah, score is an afterthought for me too, unless I decide to make it a point just to make things interesting. Playing for score is like an entirely different game, and the results can't be compared to people who play for speed. Since most of the GOTM players prefer speed as the yardstick of success, I find that it's a more relevant gauge.
Once in a while, I will play for score just to add a new element to things. Like in the current WOTM with Shaka, I've decided to try to score my highest ever diplo finish. I was inspired by Jesusin breaking into the top three score with a diplo win a while back. While he and I agree that speed is more relevant, just the fact that he pulled off a top three score without going conquest or domination struck me as a cool challenge to pose myself, especially since I already have a speed medal for diplo wins.