Yes but then can we all say, 'hey people doing higher maths, your doing useless subjects that are useless to your life because you never need to know how expand binomials, or understand calculus or whatever, General maffs is the real stuff'
The point is, the subject of maths is there in order to train the mind with logical process, you need to know how to think logically in real life, even if that means understanding what conics are, or the logic behind calculus or whatever. All of this benefits the logical thinking process.
Likewise, English benefits the process of thinking that is analysis and creativity, in real life being able to analyse your own situation or come up with logical and creative solutions to problems is vital. Communications is just one thing of many that english can bring you. Although the Advanced syllabus is largely adorned with techniques and all of that, critical analysis is needed in all forms in order to succeed in English, and in order to train your mind to be able to think critically.
Rather than being the scientist that knows how everything but doesnt question, be the scientist that knows everything and questions what he knows through critical analysis.
If people understand the benefits and skills they pick up when they do Maths and English, people would enjoy them a bit more.