I have seen many exchanges have launched their own token like Binance with BNB, Idex with IDEX, Hotbit with HTB, Yobit with YO etc. where exchanges use their own tokens as another way to pay fees to support token. In addition to it, different strategies are used to create a hype like decrease in supply etc.
But if an exchange goes through a hard period of time and shuts downs then ultimately that token will come to its end because there is no community other than that exchange supporting the token simply because it has no usage outside the exchange.
According to me exchanges should promote the usage of their coins/tokens outside the exchange to build a community in support of it. If your community consists of huge individual entities who believe you then a great community can be formed. Otherwise lack of applications would lead these things to disaster.
My thoughts exactly. You have said it all. Why will you create a token only to be used on your exchange? Since there are uncertainties on Crypto, its only necessary and needed for an exchange to list its token on another exchange for good utility of the token. I currently hold some of these exchange tokens. Most of which are shut down. Holders are only left without option than to hold till infinity. Waste of funds.