Yes they are worth it but you have to be patient and do not get emotionally vested. Fire and forget and move on to the next home. If your realtor thinks it is pointless then that should tell you something about your realtor.
Yes short sales are frustrating and yes sometimes the seller gets a loan mod done in the middle of the short sale. However it costs you no money so why shouldn’t you try it.
Think about it this way, if they do not get a loan mod then somebody will get the home. Also if you are not goign to make offers on homes that are NOT short sales then that reduces your selection in an already ridiculous market.