@nova Well, I have a corporation (Ionosphere LLC) because, well, I'm required to for some of the contracts I support(ed). It's also a good idea, from a legal standpoint, to keep my business interests separate from my personal life ("Oops, sorry NASA, I spilled a cup of coffee on the Mars Rover. What do you mean my wife and kids are now homeless?" Instead, Ionosphere and its insurers pay out the damages).
So, on that front, they serve a purpose. Are they ripe for abuse? Yes. Very yes.