The 'circle of 5ths' is a GREAT tool...and should not only be utilized, but memorized! Invaluable to composers who wish to play beyond puerile simplistic pieces, that lazy musicians get stuck in a rut with!
Think of it a a tow chain, to get you unstuck! Those who 'poo-poo' it are just lazy and unimaginative, boring and proud of it! Ignore them!!
Besides, their 'music' is usually very ignorable, anyway!

GfS