IF the patent were ever taken to court, I have a feeling it would get tossed out all together, but since the USPTO needs the money, they will stamp anything and let the lawyers battle out the ‘fine details’ later.

The reality is that most smaller businesses would rather avoid the legal fees all together since it just adds to the overhead (kills margins) and isnt worth it. A court case where someone actually follows through is unlikely, not to mention, even if you are right, judges tend to favor those who have the patents. Going to court to contest a patent if you also have a patent gives you a fair shot. Going to court without a patent all together vs. someone who does puts you at a severe disadvantage.