BEAR said:
Now, come on. Elmo has a purpose as well (and no, its not to annoy us. Hehe). He hits a specific age group that none of us are a part of. He is catering to a different generation. Okay, so he can be a bit obnoxious...
Yes you are right, he is there for the real little ones, you know, he's like a best friend I should say. Elmo is like the best friend of the show I should say, and entertaining to young ones, so that just may be his purpose, which I should say is pretty unique for a kid's show wouldn't you say. (actually, maybe not, so Sesame must be special with teachers like Kermit and Grover, and playmates like Elmo and Big Bird.)
Sesame Street is like a school, you have friends to play with like Big Bird, and than have classes with Kermit, Grover, Cookie, Count, Ernie & Bert etc.
Not trying to start a fight you know, just kind of stating the fact of what Sesame Street's purpose is, well Elmo I'd say is one of the best friends, a break from the show's teachings and someone to laugh and play with, though it might not have been like it was with Big Bird, it probably gives kid's more attention with the voice and such.