Very true. Though in this case it certainly seems that it has. I've been a workfrom user for a while now and it's been far more valuable to me for finding places than yelp or foursquare. It's the extra bits of info (wifi speed, access to power, knowing types and quantity of seating) that have been really useful, plus over time the community has become a huge asset - you get to know people in a particular city with a similar taste in work spots and you can see other places they recommend.
I think you nailed it. The community is a huge asset and has proven time and time again to source great spaces. It's not hard to find the location of a coffee shop or coworking space, but it is difficult to know if it's a good place to get work done. Having others who have been there and provided their insight is big.