I agree that pops that just sit there and score 1k points per hit are boring. Now, if its integrated into gameplay (AFM, Scared Stiff) where it progresses modes or (WWater) where pop hits choose different modes, I think they are implemented much better. In some games they are nice to use in multiball to, hopefully, park a ball there so you can shoot stuff with the remaining balls.

Having pops in unusual locations is interesting. Cyclopes, Spanish Eyes, Old Chicago, etc., really makes for interesting gameplay when they are located near the lower half of the playfield.