Unfortunately that's just a reality with inkjets, if not then the heads would clog and it becomes a paperweight.
Anyone who doesn't print often really should buy a laser jet. If you don't print often and you print photos, just order it from a photo printing service.
Theres no theoretical reason an inkjet must dry out.
You could totally imagine a design where a special 'storage cup' is automatically clamped over the nozzles, sealing any airflow from getting to them so they never dry out.
The nozzles are microscopic. Remember these things are 1200dpi. Any "storage cup" that is big enough that it wouldn't instantly be clogged with old ink would also still have lots of air in it.
Anyone who doesn't print often really should buy a laser jet. If you don't print often and you print photos, just order it from a photo printing service.