I suppose you're right about how long it will be up there. Also, I suppose it will be interesting to some radio folk here on earth so it's not a total waste of time and/or resources.
With all the more legitimate research they could be doing, this just seems like such a bizarre thing to do: Hey, guys, I'm bored, let's toss some stuff out the hatch and see if anyone notices!
By the way, what are they supposed to be doing up there? (Unfortunately, that last comment is only half-sarcastic.)
Good question, to which I'll have to admit ignorance.
Growing up during the Gemini and Apollo eras fired my imagination and made me a huge spaceflight enthusiast. One reason I'm earning my living in aviation today is the lifelong influence of those memories.
Over the years I've followed the various unmanned exploration missions, but for some reason the ISS hasn't been able to capture my interest. The entire program has seemed too unfocused and ever-shifting in its goals. Maybe another Freeper with closer ties to the program can chime in with a better explanation of what we should be expecting from the ISS.