Only in defense of the "torrid stories of what bad things witnesses in my town did", I must say that they do serve a small purpose in breaking down the squeaky clean image that is put forth by the society. I think it helps those who think that "witnesses are the best people in the world" to realize that as people go, they are really no different from the rest of the world.
Yes, doctrinal issues and other "meaty" subjects are far more important. Just these other stories do serve a small purpose.