What are the strengths and weaknesses of the public sphere as a concept and theory?

There are various strengths and weaknesses in the theory of the public sphere by Jurgen Habermas. The theory revolves around the concept of the public's influence on a democratic government. This theory also centers around the public's interest and civil right to discuss overall policy and law. In today's society, the public sphere can be utilized through media. Media allows the public to receive information to participate in political issues and debates. An example of this would be political campaigns.
A strength of this theory and concept is the allowance of public voice and freedom of speech. The concept of public theory enables the public to come together to discuss civil topics and societal issues with the state. This is a strength because the general idea of the theory is to give way and equal opportunity to communities to convey their needs and wants. However, a weakness to this strength is the possibility of neglecting an unpopular opinion. Even though a concept or an idea may be a popular interest, it does not mean it is a definite decision across the population. This may cause interruption in the attempt at finding equilibrium because not all ideas were fully taken into account.
Another strength of the public sphere lies in the opportunities for common leaders to take a stand and speak for the public. A leader may voice ideal factors in needs and wants for the general public. This helps develop strong officers within the community to address certain issues. A weakness, however, may be the possibility of an individual overthrowing the public's interest because they have been put in this leadership position. Individuals within the public sphere may still find fault and monarchy within the system. This relates back to the concept that not everyone in the public sphere may be heard.
The public sphere and its purpose may only be available to those who have resources to meet and communicate their concerns or debates. The public sphere may not address all populations from different socio-economic statuses or cultural backgrounds. Though its purpose is to reach the general population, the public sphere would have to be met by accumulating different resources such as transportation, proper technology, and cultural barriers. It is a strength on its own that the public sphere is an open forum for the people of the state to connect and collaborate with higher figures. However, in the end, it is almost as though the state still has the final say in the decisions made within the said democracy.