Many incentives
You asked:
You then have to ask yourself what incentive would an ETI need to
come to our Sol system?
You could start with water in all its three known states, liquid, solid, and gas. You might consider the amazing creativity of our species: the art, music, literature, cinema, pro wrestling. OK, just kiddin' about that last one, but who knows what ET might find enjoyable? What about the amazing diversity of life itself on our planet? Maybe ET could talk to the animals. Can you imagine a conversation with, say, a blue whale? How about beer and marijuana? Is there anyplace else in the universe where you could cop a buzz on booze or pot? 'Maybe listen to a little Tom Petty. Let's not forget our hospitable climate. Maybe humans aren't the only critters in this ol' universe who enjoy getting a tan, or riding a bicycle, or taking a spin in a '57 Chevy.
Who knows? One thing is for sure: We don't.
That's not far out the box, but there you are.
S
In the spirit of the long lost, but not forgotten MOTU board on MSNBC