So there ARE people mining this, and even MUCH more than other sha256 coins.
To mine a coin increase only the quantity of the coins, but not the value.
You are right.
The value come if coin is used in trading for goods and services and that way builds a support base.
This is a nice dream, but for altcoins impossible. So long Bitcoin is the leader of the market, no one will accept altcoins for goods or service. The altcoins are just speculation for a handful traders.