[JTysver]

Beaters tell a story.
Back when one was young, they didn't care about condition. They just wanted the card. You would trade a beeater Mays for 50 nm cards.
The reasons for owning a beater are multiple.

A) often its a filler in trying to complete a set
B) for its own charm
C) its a cheap way to own a hard to buy card
D) I collect a beater typeset- punch holes, tears, scuffs, markings etc. are all different types.
E) They're funny or entertaining
D) There is a story to each beater (how did it get that way?)
E) I know someone who uses them in a rotisserie game
F) A cheap way to build a second set
E) other reasons- add your own here

I doubt anyone would turn down a beater T206 Wagner.