To the extent that algebra courses consist of solving # + x = # over and over again, I agree that they are mostly useless. In life, algebraic questions don't come at you in symbols and numbers, they come in words. And I would argue that these questions surround us! It's just a matter of people recognizing that they are there. Therefore, in my opinion, a good algebra course (which is essential!) focuses on problem solving. Necessarily, the course would involve some mindless equation solving to learn the framework of algebra.