I think "useless" is the wrong word. The stuff the devs are focusing on is the backbone. It's beyond useful. It's critical. Stuff like algorithms/distribution are DESIRABLE (depending on perspective obvi)..... but truly useless - or harmful even - if prioritized above the hard work of building a robust, anti-fragile backbone
All arms. No spine. That's what you'd have without all the "useless bullshit."