Is a tub faucet aerator needed

The tub faucet water flow decreased so I removed the aerator. The aerator didn't seem to be clogged but I cleaned it anyway. While it was off I ran the water and it seemed to flow very well. With the aerator replaced, the flow was better than when I started but didn't seem anything like the flow without it.

So, I'm wondering about the benefit of an aerator in a tub. The distance from the faucet to the tub is, of course, considerable. Also, I don't want to "save" water by having a reduced flow because water is added to fill the tub to the desired level irrespective of how long it takes - unlike a shower.

Finally, when I removed the aerator I noticed the threaded stem was broken on the faucet making attachment of the aerator difficult although I did so.

 

Most tub spouts do not have aerators for the reason you mentioned. When you are filling the tub to a level an aerator does nothing to conserve water. The only benefit I've seen is an aerator can reduce splashing. I'd go without it.