I think your point lends itself more to a general misunderstanding of the purpose of planning and estimation rather a lack of value in the process.
There is a reason it is called a plan and an estimate instead of a fact-sheet and a contract.
I am in a position now where I provide architectural review and software delivery estimation on a full time basis. If we did not provided these estimates the VPs and directors would not have any way of justifying where and when to spend the investors' money to achieve the best return for the company.
IMO, spending someone else's money (read investment) without a plan and estimate should be considered irresponsible.
There is a reason it is called a plan and an estimate instead of a fact-sheet and a contract.
I am in a position now where I provide architectural review and software delivery estimation on a full time basis. If we did not provided these estimates the VPs and directors would not have any way of justifying where and when to spend the investors' money to achieve the best return for the company.
IMO, spending someone else's money (read investment) without a plan and estimate should be considered irresponsible.