Being the owner of one of these characters, I can offer a [biased] perspective. I notice there's two types of child characters; one as a plot device, the other as just another character. Admittedly, and this 2008-09 era, Anette started out as a trampy plot device character. Then, over time, she became her own. I, too, dislike "plot device child characters" (like targets for parent sympathy, or kidnapping), but I keep it to myself, since I'm not sure if it would come out as hypocritical.
My idea with Anette (developments coming soon) is to make her into a sort of Major Interstellar Player, in the style of a capsuleer, just within the baseliner world, which in turn justifies her presence amongst eggers. I know we have our stereotypes of RL actors/actresses in Hollywood, but it's inferred heavily that in the Gallente Federation, they are much more respected and sometimes honoured individuals who can wield a lot of power.