I doubt that most applications of the 555 are driving relays and lamps, it probably is mainly used to generate timing signals. But that's besides the point, the

I doubt that most applications of the 555 are driving relays and lamps, it probably is mainly used to generate timing signals. But that's besides the point, the low power versions can function with low voltages, allowing to power the chip with a single 1.5V battery, which would be impossible with the standard version, so it's far from pointless.