What do you mean? It's a vital part of all movie production for there to be someone who never actually contributes anything on set and only occasionally rolls up to say something like "No, I don't like this emotional scene, it's too complicated, get rid of it." or "Make him do a rap song, the kids like the rap songs."

Usually executive producers are funding the movie in exchange for the credit and usually a cut off the potential profits. Most of the time they are directly funding with money but sometimes they are using social capital and name recognition as their "investment." Executive producers are not usually paid at all except in points on the back end

Not justifying the system just explaining how it typically works

The only good thing an executive producer has ever done is that guy from the Kevin Smith story who adamenetly wanted Nic Cage Superman to fight a giant spider. I don't mean it was a good idea but it's a very funny story that at least amuses me.

You ever see these people visit the set or walk around the vfx studio during post production? There is a huge herd of glazers that orbits them constantly. Laughing at their jokes, protecting them from lowly workers who want to talk to them. It's pathetic.

does it help if I was also the writer, director, and craft services?