Why would you bother with lichdom?

[Honest Tiefling]

Just because Yoda exists doesn't mean all DMs want him to be playable as opposed to your Reys and Lukes. Most of the time the immortal characters are guys hanging around inaccessible locations to dispense wisdom and the occasional plot Macguffin. Even Lord of the Rings seems to focus far more on Aragon and the Hobbits, who don't usually get past 100 if I remember correctly.

Yes, higher tier play is possible, but most stories are going to lean to the idea that your character is probably going to be Han at best when starting. So most settings really don't want immortality to come without some strings attached.