Reasons to like the banjo.

1. It's part of American history and culture.
2. It's a happy instrument that doesn't take itself too seriously.
3. It's fun to play and to listen to.
4. it's versatile. Bluegrass is one form, old time, plectrum and tenor jazz style, Irish style and now it is geing used as a classical musical instrument. Bach sounds quite good on it.
5. It's a wonderful accompaniment instrument for singing. it suits the voice.
6. In most cases, you don't need amplification. It is self-contained.
7. It sounds good in the hands of a beginner or advanced player.
(A caveat. It can be obnoxious in the hands of someone who thinks he/she is a better player than he/she really is.)
8. Old-time banjo is expressive with many different tunings giving the banjo many tonal "colors".
9. It sounds good with other accoustic instruments. Round-Peak, Bluegrass, old style jazz and others.
10. It is a highly rhythmic instrument which makes it suitable for accompanying dances.
11. it's distinctive style has been the impetus for many good songs and tunes.
12. There is a version of it that is popular all over the world. Samisen in Japan, Sarod in India, Griot's instrument in Africa, found in Chinese music to accompany the Chinese Opera, and at one time popular in England as a classical instrument. The famous maker who fashioned the channelled fifth-string (I forget his name now) made a lovely banjo and I used to own one.

Hope this helps the case for defense of a great instrument.

Frank