There are more positives. - They keep traffic flowing better so you won't get "platoons" of cars all moving and stopping at the same time. This is especially effective when you do this in a sequence of intersections. - They calm do down traffic by forcing cars to slow down. - You don't need to install and maintain traffic lights.

Platoons of cars with space in between allow for pedestrians and vehicles to cross the road, downstream.

Nothing worse to have upstream of where you are trying to enter a road, or cross it, than a busy four way stop, with cars coming out of it at regular intervals, without sufficient time/space in between.