I see your point, I really do.
NO, I don't think the fliers and the billboards are a total waste of time, because there is always a chance that he is alive somewhere, like Jaycee Dugard, Shawn Hornbeck and Elizabeth Smart were. It's rare that happens, but it's always possible, right?
But when you think about it, most of the people who keep insisting that the Dr. Phil show is a way to keep Dylan's face and name out there, and that this show will make more people aware of him, are generally the ones who believe Mark killed Dylan. I think that's what Otto is trying to get across. If one believes that he is dead by his father's hands, then why would one be so adamant that he go on this show so that Dylan's case gets national attention? Are they hoping for a confession during the show?
And I'm not speaking for anyone except myself, but I really don't think this show is going to be as much about Dylan as it will be about the drama and the family dynamics. To each his own, I guess we will see when the time comes.