Has anyone tried mining without constantly updating the block with new transactions? Seems like you would have a better chance. Maybe only update it if a really juicy transaction comes in. 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 Not convinced. 
https://m.primal.net/LMTB.jpg 

 no, pero Bitcoin y su minería responden al libre mercado, eventualmente algún minero lo intentará, y quién sabe 🤷‍♂️