Shouldn't infusions have just been Support Gems?

Make some spells "infusion-able". For those spells, there are support gems of each element that can be used to change their element.

Since GGG also like the combo aspect. Then you can make another gem that makes an elemental spell drop infusions. And then another gem that makes a spell capable of gaining infusions found on ground.

But this whole thing should be IMO something you can choose to do with gems but you don't need to be pushed to use just cause some of the spells you like are always dropping infusions.

I dont see any problem with infusion. It's something that enhances your spells and will almost always end up with a benefit for you. Like sparks that are infused with cold can freeze enemies. Worst thing that can happen is, that enemies are immune to ice in such a situation, but that wouldnt have any effect on your pure spark damage anyway.

Worst case: You dont get any benefit when using an infusion.
Best case: You get a brutal damage/status buff against enemies.

And you get that for free, so no need to waste a support gem slot.

Not free, you have to generate them and then walk over them to pick them up. If they just gave you a buff to use it would be ok but this is just more Chonk spirit wisp dance dance revolution gameplay.

It is clear they want us to lean into multi element/weapon swap combos which is nice but forcing us to dance for it on top of that is silly and I won't do it.