Space stations.... What's the point other than contracts?

[Warzouz]

I use a lot of space stations. I even created a generic space station (Salamander Exploration: simple and efficient space station to everywhere). Space stations are very efficient to explore target planetary bodies. You can use a very small science vehicle which will refuel to redo multiple launches. The you return to Kerbin with a dedicated vehicle leaving the space station and landing véhicle in place (you can return only with a small ship)

About stations around Kerbin, I still don't understand the purpose. I've a station there, quite a large one, but I never use it, except to refuel SSTO space plane which would like to go to high orbit (which simpler craft could do easier)

Kerbin space stations could  be nice if contracts, XP and vehicle despawn could be validated while docking on a Kerbon space station.