I mean, sure. If estimates were used to build timelines, rather than managers trying to negotiate estimates smaller to fit preexisting timelines. And if estimates were used according to their definition, rather than as deadlines passed down from God Himself to beat developers with for failing to be "productive enough". And if management honored scope and didn't try to creep more features into an existing scope with a reasonable estimate. And if estimates were treated as an expert opinion, rather than an option that was up for discussion. And if...<p>Then sure, they would be a good thing that we all would like. But this is the real world and things go wrong. And as such, until management allows estimates to be as flexible as they expect their developers to be, estimates will continue to be a hellish experience that never work and leaves everyone more miserable than before.