I am not sure but I do not recall the purpose of the Machine was ever disclosed. By the White Rose suicide scene I imagine that the purpose was elevation of humanity. Elliot delays salvage from nuclear meltdown by choosing escape from a nasty dungeon game, leaving his friend behind. Then he solves the problem by staying in the dungeon with his friend.
"Don't make me laugh!" White Rose to the accusation she is the evildoer.