So I've never really understood the hatred for thoughts and prayers.

I think most people understand that their thoughts and prayers aren't doing anything actionable. Its not meant to.

When these situations happen its often things out of the general public's control, we feel powerless or the event has happened and there's not much else to be done (e.g a terrorist attack).

thoughts and prayers by members of the public are an expression of fear and a sense of powerlessness.

And when its done by important people (e.g politicians who do have the power to do something) its basically the done thing.

It would be considered insulting if they didn't provide thoughts and prayers because on a certain level their job is to provide comfort to people, to tell them everything will be ok and that they are working on the things to fix it.

The issue I have is when politicians don't back up their thoughts and prayers with action.