I wouldn't consider it wasted. I think we need more varied content like this, rather than the grind grind grind of tomestones all the time. A gold saucer revamp is needed though, but the only way it'd get used is if it offered the best possible gear. I don't envy SE's position trying to make the gold saucer work.
I disagree. However what they could do (which they could also add to Chocobo Racing/Lords of Verminion) is if after x amount of time in the queue, it starts populating with NPCs. So after a while you're at least GUARANTEED a pop. Even if it's with AI.