OT ka na eh.
i know what the real world is. i just want to stay ON TOPIC.
Okay, staying on topic: lots of musicians in the music industry (not the bars, or what) do need the business that these people provide. From that point of view, yes, they do help. now, from an "artistic" point of view, it depends on where you're coming from. but, well, they have albums that sell. it's keeping the industry alive for the moment.
Maybe it won't help in terms of long term goals. but then, that's why people also step outside of the system, and go indie. and then play and play.
i respect views that consider some people who have albums as being not worth the time to be listened to. I have many, many album-makers in my mind who i won't listen to unless asked of me - some of them I would prefer not to even try. But I also figure that it's their thing, so let them. people will listen, or they won't. Rather than castigate them, why not do something like encourage appreciation of all sorts of music at the local school? or even just with your cousins, friends, or whatever - always play interesting music. advocate the music you like by playing it for others. that way, it becomes a battle for music education, rather than slinging bricks at people who really wouldn't care.
My apologies if I went OT, and if I sounded like i was talking down to people. mea culpa.