Why Did I Spend 14 Hours of My Life Watching THE ROPERS?

If I might be permitted a serious response to a flippant question, I watched (and enjoyed) this show because of its first-rate cast. The concept was flawed, and The Ropers was never a great sitcom in any universe; there's no debating that. But I still loved seeing Norman Fell and Audra Lindley together, and this was my introduction to the brilliantly funny Jeffrey Tambor. Also, I happened to like the addition of Jenny (Louise Vallance, who's my friend on Facebook and is a perfectly lovely person). For me, these performers make The Ropers worth watching and re-watching despite its shortcomings. I do agree with you that Dena Dietrich was fantastic as Ethel.