As someone who pretty much never uses public chat but always listens to it, I have to admit it's quite strange running into other people and... nothing. I think it would certainly be useful in situations (I've been in a few public events where there was a major lack of coordination and being able to direct people would've been helpful) but the fact that it filters stupidity out of my experience is great. Also, for the bristling hub of activity that the Tower appears to be it's just too quiet. Again though, the idea is that it's for the better.