A good middle manager is worth their weight in gold. There's nothing like working on a job where everyone's roles mesh together perfectly. Where pertinent information flows down efficiently, and where minor problems are crushed ruthlessly before they can grow into major ones.

Unfortunately, most middle management are not that good. Others are stymied by not being given enough autonomy to actually do their jobs well.

A poor manager is as welcome as a muck spreader at a garden wedding. The best thing you can do is try and keep them away from anything important, and contain the stink.