"Do you need something that serves no purpose using resources? I think not."
Several thousand downloads disagree. It's entirely up to you if you choose to use it though... it's free to use or not use as you please.

"The quality of this "lamp" is not great, but I'm certain with a little practice and some formal education iSlayer will create something a little more realistic."
This was our first Quartz widget. I think it's an ok first attempt.

"Given this was actually conceptualised by somebody else and "borrowed" by this developer one would hope for a little more effort."
Borrowed what exactly? We answered a request to design a lava lamp widget. We worked hard to improve every aspect of its design. We spent a lot of time talking to the guy(s) who initially wanted it. We did it all for free.

"Good for the kiddies I guess but otherwise pointless as to the function of Dashboard. Get a nice desktop picture instead."
It wasn't ever supposed to have a point.