Have you actually tried them though? I thought the same thing. Thought they look silly. Then i bought a cheap pair since i wanted to use my tarp, where no trees are nearby. Used them like that a few times, and then actually used them as intended (that was the time i rubbed my wrist open, but even then, i noticed the difference in my legs and my back). The day after i bought some good poles (the straps on the ones i had were terrible), and haven't looked back since. I still think they look silly, i think i look silly using them, but i'm long past the time where i cared how i look, and will just use what's effective. They help a lot, even on paved terrain. (Unless your longest hike is just a couple of km over paved grounds into a campground, then sure, they won't be as usefull.)
Yeah, I did feel a bit self conscious at first, but fact is, they're designed for a purpose. And they fulfill it. If I'm on a stroll, then one is fine, right hand supporting left hip. If I'm walking in with a pack for a few days, then a pair really help. It's not just a joint thing, there's a great deal of weight distribution involved. Something I ignored as a tree surgeon hefting logs into trucks and dragging heavy armfuls of brash up someone's garden feeling all full on manly, but actually wearing my body.
I like poles, I can't not, a simple thing that is a great deal of help.