I think its super important and a big reason why I love the sport. The proximity between the pro and AG makes the sport super fun to me.
Triathlon allows age groupers to do exactly the same race, usually on the same day - thats pretty dope. It's also super cool for friends and family who come to support us.

The same way marathons have an elite/pro wave before amateurs.

This doesnt mean that races without pros are boring - at all. It's just a different cozy atmosphere.

I fully agree with the OP.