(N) this is the Lords of Light in answer to your question about giving Initiation and they don’t follow through and carry on Meditating.
There are many answers to this question because it depends on the circumstances. Most people Initiated now have had some sort of Awakening. If you had Meditation classes as in South America, then there would be a camaraderie where people would feel happy in a group and would therefore continue.
You would never Initiate someone without their consent and to the best of your ability to explain what it is. There is a certain responsibility that is there with the Initiator and the Initiated. It is a pact that should be respected and be treated with Awe and Wonder.
So, in answer to you question,”Is Initiation ever a waste of time?” No – not when the guidelines have been adhered to. You would not Initiate someone who you thought would/may not respect its enormity. e.g. your father or mother.