That pretty much nails it, from one end to the other! I might add a little of my perspective...

I would not say it is actually "common" to take pictures of the homeless etc, just that is is all too common. Most Street photographers realize that, and just don't do it. Some people, however, never seem to understand.

The issue of boring and pointless is sort of interesting. I tend to agree that much, if not downright most, of what is displayed as Street is indeed boring and pointless, at least to me. But then again I read every comment in the Street Photography section, and it is very clear that for some people the images that I see as boring are not (and also some that I see as really fascinating, simply bore many people). I'm left with the clear observation that people are different! What I've been most fascinated with in recent years is the different things that different people find in an image, though that isn't really about photography and certainly doesn't influence what kind of images I want to make.

It's also worth noting that the same applies to all genres of photography! Boring and pointless, except for the specific stuff that interests me today. And everyone else seems to see it the same way, except they are interested in different stuff! A good thing, too.