Same thing with giant peninsulas and breakfast bars. They're there to look nice for real estate photos, not to be a useful thing that gets used often. If you want a table in the middle of your kitchen rip out the island and put a kitchen table there. It's more comfortable and you can actually look at the people you're eating with.
They are good to socialize while cooking. Friends csn have a glass of wine next to you while you cook. Also to put the trash under without blocking other peoples flow.
