tbf it's kinda justified, i can't think of any scenario where a payday loan is the only legitimate option. these people prey on those who have poor money management skills, and no friends/family from whom they could borrow the same amount.
They're an option for the people who would have in other times turned to the sort of person who'd have no qualms charging incredible interest and then breaking bones because they know they'd never be able to keep up repayments.
There are plenty of people who'd take that option because it really was their only choice so while they're still not great and do prey on those in need to a degree they're still a much better option than that.