Jason -
I can understand your frustration but not everyone might want to log onto dashboard to share stories.
Medium is a tool for writers who are constantly working through their shitty drafts to turn them into posts which people want to read while sippin hot cuppas.
I think ( of course, I could be wrong) after doing user research, Medium designers would have decided to show drafts as the first thing on the landing page.
I’ve not spoken to every single Medium writer but it’s at least true for me. I love the fact that it takes me to drafts (saves me a click, you know) because most of the time that’s what my intended purpose is.
Best,
Tarun