I agree the setting circles aren't accurate. And I do star hop, but setting circles aren't completely useless. Here's the strategy and tactic I would use.

First assumptions:
1. Mount is as level as possible.
2. Polar alignment done.
3. Finder scope aligned with OTA.

I don't expect the setting circles to single handedly get me to my DSOs, but that's where I would first point. Once, I'm there, I can star hop using combo finder scope and OTA. Sometimes the finder scope is in an awkward position an example of this is when you're looking for something at the zenith; the setting circles would help to get me into the ballpark first instead of using the finder only.

Although many people ignore the setting circles altogether, that doesn't mean Celestron can get them wrong and check it off in their quality assurance tests before it goes out the door. If they don't intend on getting it right, take the feature off completely and pass on the savings to me. On principle, any manufacturer should want to at least give best effort for their instruments' configuration even if their accuracy is to the nearest hundreds only. This thing was so off by a weird number, it doesn't look like they even tried.

The RA setting circle can be adjusted, but the declination setting circle seems to be fixed. If I forcibly rotate it, something will break.

My gear is new and while I was tempted to buy a pricier rig, I just couldn't afford it; I wanted a manual system anyway where I can put myself in the shoes of Hipparcos, Galileo, Newton and Messier, so it wasn't so bad. I'm sure that my tripod alone, cost more than the instruments they're famous for using, and yet they live on centuries later because of their astronomical and scientific contributions. One day I would like to upgrade to a better setup, but that may have to wait until I win the lottery.