Paula Abdul as a judge a judge on American Idol?

I was watching American Idol last night, and I couldn't help feeling that Paula's comments don't often make sense. I don't understand what she's talking about half the time, and though I do think she's a kind person, it also seems as though she's so determined to be gentle that she doesn't give useful criticism. I'm honestly not trying to bash her, but do you think she's valuable as a judge, and why or why not?