Hi Randall,
I certainly understand your perspective. I have been teaching for over 22 years, and I have a tremendous amount of practical experience in the courses I teach. I have found that although I share my personal stories/experiences with my students, they enjoy them, but they become even more excited when a guest speaker comes in and present and validates/reinforces what I have taught/shared with them. Guest speakers serve as great resources to break the monotony.
Patricia