The German surface fleet as a fleet in being

Did the German surface fleet matter even without major victories?

Yes. Its existence forced Britain to retain superior forces and diverted aircraft, fuel, steel, and manpower from other targets and tasks.

Germany's surface fleet exerted influence simply by remaining a possible threat. Britain needed enough ready ships to overmatch any sortie, and uncertainty over when the Germans might sail made that requirement permanent. Attacks on ships such as Tirpitz also consumed aircraft that could have struck oil fields, industry, or rail targets. A fleet in being can drain enemy resources even when it wins few direct battles.