In theory, like-minded voters banding together to try to effect change is admirable.
In practice, it leads to mentality of us-vs-them where all that matters is what color the candidate wears. If anything, it makes the system worse in that the two parties we currently have completely suppress any new groups that attempt to form, forcing voters into a choice between two parties, even if they might agree with neither of them.
When political parties were established it was necessary since with direct democracy just the logistics of such a system would be a nightmare. However, with the advent of the internet and current levels of communication, direct democracy without parties would be incredibly simple. The only reason that I can think of for parties to remain in place is that they provide funding for candidates, but even that isn't much anymore thanks to, again, the internet.
I might be rambling at this point but I think I've conveyed my basic opinion.