I agree that they suck for international, but domestically I have used them several times for vacations.
I got SEA-ATL-FLL at a $200 price (L?) and used the SWU to get Business for 2 people on 3 trips so far, so they work for me.
I save the miles for the expensive europe award tickets (150K each).
You just have to figure out what works for you and use them wisely and for your type of travel.