Beginners will happily do that. Who would risk money into something that isn't guaranteed by anyone and with a entirely new concept?
And may I ask why it doesn't help the bitcoin ecosystem? IMO it attracts more people into the bitcoin system, and it rewards the faucet owners.
As a side note, it also directly benefits the miners, by offering more transactions and fees, which leads to stronger incentives to mine.
Exactly, faucets are a part of the bitcoin ecosystem.
I doubt anyone would join if we take this facility away. And that results in bitcoin prices dropping, and miners dumping their coins.
Respectfully, I disagree. The price would not be affected at all if faucets went away. I got started by buying $20 worth and playing with it, not a very risky investment. However, in favor of your argument, I can see how faucets can attract more people to the bitcoin ecosystem. No one has ever heard of playing a game and getting free money in return until bitcoin faucets came around... So I retract my statement that they offer nothing, but they don't offer much IMO.
Problem is first time people don't want to buy. They would rather spend their time in front of a computer screen than going to the bank.
But I respect your opinion, as you respect mine.