Everyone wanted SMTs. How will that be any different?
They'll at least be part of the consensus protocols and not subject to a centralized entity like Steem Engine. That should cut down on some of the risk. And based on what I've heard so far, they should be cheaper to create and will likely include burning of tokens. Using Steem Engine puts Steem tokens in the hands of those people running Steem Engine.
As far as their usefulness goes...I wouldn't expect them to be any different. Worthless tokens that have no utility outside of giving upvotes are still worthless.