@invisible I've been wanting to respond to this for some time now, and to make comment in regards to your post.
I also totally despise academic papers on one level. Yet on another level I quite enjoy the process and the feeling of having finished. I thoroughly enjoy referencing and formatting. What kills me though, is an overly strict word count. When for example, a penalty is placed on going any more than 50 words outside the limit, it is actually one of the most frustrating things to me. I can be brief and concise when necessary, but am never a fan of brevity almost for the sake of it - when it comes to the point of compromising thoroughness. It seems to turn writing a paper into a game - with 50% of my time spent trying to streamline text. I find a 10% over or above the word limit more reasonable. I must admit though, I am on the extreme of length, since if I know a teacher is happy for any length, provided its a good and interesting paper, I'll go to town. I.e. Once I wrote an 8,000 word paper for what was supposed to be 2,000 (2,000? I always thought 3,000 should be the minimum!).
Like yourself - and I've read a few articles that seem to indicate it is a trait shared by many who associate with the INFJ description - I carry out extensive research into whatever topic I will be writing on. I just cannot write something that, 1) I do not believe to be true, 2) I do not value, and 3) have no idea about. I'll spend hours and hours reading over various articles on the topic and related issues. Less so, if it's an area I'm embedded in - but even then. I am not so pragmatic however, that I can get all my research out of the way before writing. As I learn and develop my ideas as I write, and thus I am continually researching whilst I write.
I have tended to fall into the category of being 'a last minute Larry'. Yet the difference between myself and other last minute folks, is that I will spend way longer in writing. I used to spend almost 48 hours writing, with a bit of sleep. In fact I take way longer in writing than do many who start early. I really do take a long time to write papers. Longer than anyone I've known. Now I'm a bit better. I'll start at a reasonable time, and have my paper finished a day or two before - which is early for me!
I also wonder about those who can just churn out a draft. When it comes to writing on a word processor I edit as I write, and am constantly adjusting things, so that by the time I've finished the conclusion, it's basically my final copy. For academic papers I feel restricted, and so no matter what I cannot just type and go for it, as I do in other mediums - I must reference as I go, and edit. I do think such restrictions help one in many ways. But it's not something that I enjoy!