They can make a huge difference. Not only in the upfront $$$ amount, but in the driver record/insurance rates in the future. I'll spend $500 to get a $100 fine reduced or erased anyday.
If it was just about being able to pay my fine and moving on I would gladly just pay my fines. But No No, it's not the ticket cost that bothers me, it's the longterm insurance rates and driving record that gets the bloodsucking lawyer involved.