The original point is that I assume Russia wants people to come and spend money there and I assume that most foreigners do not want to stay in Russia.

If that is true then Russia should make the process of visiting as easy as possible (i.e. no Visa).

The decison for any country to have visa requirements per country should be made by balancing the need / will for tourists and the chances that someone will stay to live in the country.

Clearly different counties have different real answers to that balance.