To me, The Astonishing is definitely an "album" experience. Although there are some standout tracks that might be fun on their own, and although you could definitely make different "abridged versions" of the album, just listening to the entire thing as it unfolds from track to track is a very cool experience. And, to me, that includes the NOMAC tracks. On their own, they don't really do much and are hard to relate to because they are a-musical and essentially just noise. But that fits within the flow of the album. The problem is that I think most of us rarely have the time to listen through the whole thing and just let it wash over us. The length and scope of the album just don't lend themselves to that, ironically. I feel fortunate that I have an opportunity a couple of times a week when I am on my long bike rides to listen to it like that and get the whole experience. And while I could have created a playlist to skip the NOMAC tracks, I find that keeping them in adds to the experience. But if you don't have time to do that, or if you just don't really like the album, I can see the NOMAC tracks being pretty pointless.