"Synthesizing" (if that's the right word) the ideas of different thinkers (philosophers) imho (and perhaps yours?) is in some ways more worthwhile than other modalities like explaining, extending or critiquing thinkers' ideas, or even starting from scratch and creating something new. Like with wine, many people prefer varietals, yet some winemakers prefer creating a blend that surpasses the drinking experience of any of its ingredients on their own. Or more like the framers of the Constitution, who in effect threw their ideas into a mixer to create one coherent, balanced well-founded prescription for government.