ISS necessary?

We had visions of this...

but have this...

It has been around for a long time and very little is said about the International Space Station [ISS]. It's only about 2/3 done and one wonders what it has accomplished and what it is doing. Is the science being done worth the expense of maintenance including additions, updates, staff, supplies? Most of what is being done is probably routine dull science that escapes the attention of most people, but is it worth it? It is costing the participating nations billions and we hear very little about technological fruits from the science. What do you feel about the ISS and why?