Just as 'pointless' as mindlessly listening to music imo, which is what I'd be doing instead to and from my way to hospital. I see no issue with it, I was always a big fan of Pokemon (got the latest games on 3DS etc.), I think seeing some of the old gen back is refreshing haha. I see your point if someone is playing during times when they should be doing something a little more productive, but if it's time when they'd be doing nothing of significance anyway, (Pokemon) Go for it I say!
Yeah you're right. I am a big fan of pokemon myself, I'm currently playing the platnium series on DS at the moment when I'm actually supposed to be studying. lol (very unproductive, I know).
But the thing is, ever since it was announced that it will be coming out last year, it's been like a major craze (similar to a song like hello by adele). I have this feeling though that overtime, it won't be as popular anymore because people have gotten over it (think of it like how Adele's "hello" isn't that popular anymore or how Gangnam style by PSY is just "old")
I have nothing against it though, just putting my opinion up there (I do like pokemon. Probably one of my favourite series/cartoons of all time)