@shoq
I use it in only two cases

1: a music band-specific instance with 350 members. It's mostly on topic or close enough, has members I know ex-Twitter. I read it regularly.

2. Journa.host. Only dip in occasionally, usually when there's a big news event and my regular timeline isn't keeping up with my new news addiction :-) I have used it also to find new journalists to follow in my Home.

In general, though, I agree with you that most local timelines aren't helpful to follow.