When flying around Europe with an airport suitable for any aircraft every 200 nm or so I would agree that ETP's are of little relevance.
Now think about crossing the Atlantic, Pacific, desert region etc et night. There may be no suitable open airport for 2 hours or more.
Believe me, you want to know where you will go at any point of time should a 'Land ASAP' event happen. You will be always aware of the latest wx forecast etc. On the B747-400 the FMC allows you to put in a time as a fix, this then appears on the ND as a circle with the time next to it.
Drawing range circles around airports is also useful, iirc the max range circle on the B747-400 is 511nm and the max range scale on the ND is 640nm.
This facility is also useful for letting you know when it is your turn for the bunk
