Or does it, on the contrary, still serve some unique and vital purpose?

Film makers often seem drawn to the secondary figure who serves a vital purpose.

This part of his job served two vital purposes:

The Harriers continued to grow until the outbreak of war in 1939, when the ground was taken over for vital industrial purposes.

They serve the vital economic purpose of transferring liquid products from one transportation mode to another.

Others, however, say that whatever the financial effects on the state, this extra payment to the mother serves a vital social purpose.

We need our money for schools, safety and other vital purposes, and should not be risking any of it on such a basis.

It will serve a vital purpose if only a few doctors and patients become more comfortable initiating discussions about the limits of desired treatment.

I believe that the Galileo satellite system serves two vital purposes.

"And there is actually quite a vital purpose to your attending tonight."