What is the importance of the superweapon? Yes, it did look pretty cool in ep 4 when Alderaan blew up, but for those in the star wars galaxy, it was not. Let's look at what the Death Star actually did.

Wipes out Alderaan and most of Rogue squadron and the y wing squadron.

Now, did they have to destroy Alderaan? No, absolutely not.
They could have just blown up a moon or something, not a pacifistic planet like Alderaan. The bigger question here is "Did anyone like the Death Star other than Palpatine and Tarkin?" I think no, no one did. Remember, some of the Imperial troops (Biggs Darklighter and co) were assigned to the death star, but deserted instead. And the worst pain was felt by Tycho Celchu, who was on a live holo net connection w/ his family on Alderaan when it was destroyed; he soon deserted. I really think that the Death Star was a significant waste, and was only built by Palpatine's whim.
It cost so much, and was destroyed by a simple x wing, a farmboy pilot, and a force guied shot.

Please comment I will respond quickly. Thanks, and MTFBWY.