I have no doubt about their entertainment value. Beyond that, I see little use in their presence at all.
One could argue that they bring arguments concerning JW doctrine to the forefront of the discussions. This is only partially true, and in a very circumscribed way. The only "theme" that is ever debated by these "apologists" (ad nauseum I may add) is the 607 date. This has been going on for years at this site, with the same inevitable conclusion: circular debates going round and round, the same evidence trotted out, the same predictable denials by the apologists. The problem is, 607 is such small potatoes compared to what the public really NEEDS to know about the watchtower organization: the murderous blood policy, hypocrisy vis-a-vis the UN association, protection of child molesters, destruction of families, and the list goes on.
My own perception? The apologists have been using the 607 bible-chronology masturbation threads to DETRACT from the far more serious issues at hand. Given the amount of energy and bandwidth devoted on this board to "607" versus real issues of life and death concerning the borg, they have been royally successful in this aim.
Beyond the 607 club, the vast majority of apologist posters are hit-and-run nut-jobs intent at voicing their rage at our evil apostate agenda.
The board would be just as innovative, would cover just as many issues concerning the outrages of the WTS and have just as much appeal in the absence of watchtower apologists.