It is not totally useless since I used one even in the basement (mind you I only watch certain TV stations not all available and they are all close). Heck even my finger touching the center conductor will work for CBC HD!!!. But more often than not it will not be the ideal solution for most people. I acctually prefer a solution that has the pre-amp independent of the antenna. In most cases , unless you are a true dxer, just the antenna at the proper location (height) will be enough. If needed more then add the amp but it will always give you that flexibility. Built-in amp on such cheap antennas are not high quality at all but like any VHF/UHF antenna system it will always work to some extend under certain conditions (the OP has not given us enough info).

In any case the OP will have to replace the transmition line (twinlead now) or run new ones through other places and attic installed antennas last almost forever so Why not insist on using the one in the attic instead?. Maybe relocate it outside?. Maybe I am too cheap , who knows, lol.