Actually, there is a great torch conspiracy afoot. Rangers are recalling the
ancient days when vampires and trolls and such 'monsters' were not allowed to
join the guild. Several members have decided to make a super torch bonfire
that will light up the entire batworld so completely, that these creatures
will be snuffed out of existence. To accomplish this goal, each ranger has
been assigned the task of making 100,000 torches.

And there you have it, torches aren't worthless, they're the means of saving
the Realm from evil!