I don't think it's a particularly "meaningful" competition, yet... I imagine that it's importance will increase over the years, especially if a European team manages to win it. As far as I'm concerned, we could do without the distraction. I can't think of a better way to disrupt our consistency of form.
And I question your revisionism regarding United's participation. They wanted it enough to drop out of the F.A. Cup, much to the irritation of many of their fans; and enough to fly a full strength squad over there. It's nothing more than a glorified Super Cup, but just as beating the UEFA Cup winners shouldn't be sniffed at neither should hopefully triumphing against the South American champions. On the question of the relative quality of their leagues, I understand that the European champions have rarely beaten their South American counterparts over the years. Their leagues might not have the strength in depth, and many of their best players end up in Spain and Italy, but you can't question the qualities of the teams that come out on top because neither of us have managed to beat them. Yet.
Of course, it's relatively important to us because we're in it; as it would be to you, if you're honest.
