Yes, Sirius, from what you say, both Steve and Richard are giving you good advice. Grit your teeth, take the third step and go visiting. At a rough count, I'm in about six craft lodges and each is different from the others in many ways, age groups, interests, depth of masonic knowledge/interest or lack of same! In orders beyond the craft you will meet many who have the hunger you espouse. Those 'units' tend to be smaller than craft lodges and the members have joined them for very good personal reasons.
For many years our Grand Lodge has been concerned about numbers, not really having taken on board that, following each of the two world wars, there were huge increases in membership which, in the last twenty years or so have been tailing off to what used to be normal levels and naturally the provinces have followed their lead. This chasing after numbers with 'recruiting campaigns' has resulted in members being drafted in who really are not interested in Freemasonry very much. So you can understand how you have found it difficult to get much sense. So, you have quite rightly struck out to make your own researches. A lot of the newer, younger ones have left, leaving the old guard in situ, often staying out of habit, dare I say; that's why you are finding an age gap in some lodges.
If you strike out to other lodges and orders beyond the craft with care, you will eventually find what it is you are seeking. That aim is different for each one of us, so by visiting other lodges and talking to those wearing a Royal Arch breast jewel (you will be told about that at your third degree), you are more than likely going to find what you want. I only mention the Royal Arch because you will need to be a member of that so as to join some of the other orders. Not all have that requirement though.
Richard has mentioned the SRIA. That is not a masonic order but draws its membership from the craft. It deals with philosophic aspects of life, touching on astrology, alchemy and other such esoteric matters.
Here you will find a chart of some of the many orders beyond the craft:
https://www.diariomasonico.com/english/allied-masonic-degreesI'm pretty sure it's on Solomon but the navigation there can be a little fiddly!
The Wiltshire provincial web site gives some more detailed information:
https://www.pglwilts.org.uk/about-us/masonic-orders-beyond-the-craftOne little problem you will tend to find is that some of these orders can have rather elderly members! That is because retired people have a bit more time to spend on these things - hence early start times. I would say that, for the time being (after your third) the Mark Degree and the Royal Arch should put you more at ease. Only the craft is governed by UGLE; other orders have their own governing bodies.
There are also masonic research lodges and that might interest you. If you send me a PM to say which part of the country you are in, I should be able to point you towards one or more of those in your locality.
Good luck with your searching and keep asking questions!