yes it does, it can help determine reach of certain spells.For example telekinesis,when you drop the char and make sure the two enemies circles overlap they both get dmg
I would hardly call having a helpful visual indicator disgusting, what would you rather they do to highlight that you are over a character?
OP doesn't mean the highlights and circles of enemies when your cursor over them.
It's the white outline+circle on your character when it's his/her turn.
Although i'm not irritated by it, there could be an option to disable it.