Answers above are correct. The main purpose of ROOT has always been to simply create a way for people to get to play Redemption more.
Some people don't have anyone locally to play with. And some people don't have all the cards to experiment with decks that they'd like to try. For both of these situations, ROOT is perfect.
It is also a GREAT way to improve your game as you play against a variety of deck types and players from across the country. I know that I personally have HUGELY improved my game by playing online for the last couple years.
The fact that there's a few packs passed out during the year, and possibly a trophy at the end, is just icing on the cake
