[Runamuck]

I voted yes. Speaking from a kids point of view, I think it inspires more imagination when playing with your toys. And gives your toys a "house" to live in. Not only that, but it's just cooler to play with your toys in a related playset, than a table top or the floor.

Now, of course this only works with smaller toys. Having HUGE playsets to accomadate 6"+ figures, isn't practical due to size. As cool as that would be, though.

When I was a kid, I had all 3 playsets for Masters of the Universe. And I played with those all the time. I wish I had the GI Joe base sets, but I did not. I had some of the smaller battle station ones, though. And Transformers....oh, man....I wish they would've produced one for them.

Now, personally, I love the large playsets. I'm sure there are reasons for that deep down, but I really can't tell you why I love them. That said, I do love smaller playsets too. Especially if they have a feature to connect together to form a large one.

Main point is, yes they're important. They not only look cool, but they add to and help expand the fantasy that you're already creating with your toys. Nicer to display in, too.