@Remittancegirl @cstross : the point is that there’s a huge market for throwaway books that repeat the same familiar, feed-good story.
Some would say that this is the majority of books (and movies).
If you want to sell your story to Hollywood execs, following the Hero’s journey is probably a good idea.
If you want to create something original, it worth studying The Hero’s journey in order to not repeat it unconsciously (as we have been nurtured with books/movies from this cannon)