I had totally forgotten they added this to the PC version and I can't remember how I handled it last time. Does it really serve any purpose other than some extra points and goodies?

It's got the best stuff, but it's entirely optional. I never found it on my first play-through because Bioware decided, infuriatingly, to place it off the galactic disc, and I thought it was just background. It's a good way to sink the obscene riches you don't know what to do with near the end :P

I just found a web page that gives you three specific times to go there in order to get all the best stuff. :D

I generally stock up there before leaving to the Unknown Regions. They got a great armor, and of course the 2 lightsaber "color" crystals.
Also there's a bunch of cash to make there, thermal detonators, and if you don't mind some save+load cheesing you can get a fine amount of credits + discount with Pazaak.

He always buys stuff for more credits than other vendors, so I pawn my stuff to him, like the Tatooine Racing Bonds.