There's something to be said for class and style. I'm not smart enough to figure out why that is important, but I am smart enough to know that it is true. Maybe it just makes us feel better about ourselves. Heck the Brits still have a queen which is largely a ceremonial position, but they would be lost without her. So whatever the underlying reason it seems important.
Plus, I'd rather have 4 years of class and style than the alternative.