Why does the debate over election/predestination matter?

I have finally come to think the election debate is *de facto* rather esoteric. First, I have heard prominent Christian figures say belief in election is not necessary for salvation. But even more so, because even electionists acknowledge the saved will do certain things that bring about their salvation. Therefore, one way to summarize it is that we are debating whether God decides that the sinner decides to come to Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior and repent, or whether the sinner decides that the sinner decides to... So what difference does that make? Does anyone know of any standard arguments or theology about why it matters so much? Or some theology that might say the above is not quite right? I don’t want to debate election or even cull standard or Biblical reasons for believing or not believing it; the purpose is only about how meaningful the election question is.