> Whatever qualities or services performed by the original person probably didn't pass to the children

IMO the quality they have is not being career politicians or business people.

The same goes for the remaining bishops and other representatives of religious groups.

They are also not under the control of party whips as the house of commons is.

You could probably do better by appointing a bunch of random people instead, but what we have is better than an elected second chamber that would just replicate the Commons.