[michael_nielsen]

You assert three times that they are providing value, but never explain how they are adding value. Can you please provide a concrete example of how this adds value?

[corentin]

Well, they provide protection against other domain squatters! :)

"It's a nice domain name you have there; it would be bad if something happened to it..."

[mdemare]

The domain could be taken by a competitor, not in order to use it, but to prevent you from using it.

Or it could be taken by somebody for whom the domain name also made sense. For example, someone who sells paintings of octopusses.

Also, by keeping the domain name available to you, they provide a service to you at no present cost.