Fiona,
Jon and Kate inspired both my husband and I during their february 2008 speaking engagement in Ohio. How did they inspire us, you ask?
I am not stupid, I know that they have had a tremendous amount of help and frankly I don't doubt that perhaps they have not been 100% forth coming in all the happenings since finding out they were having sextuplets.
That being said they have also had some extreme troubles, marriage, family and financial etc. It is their story of how they relied on others and yes, even on God that was inspirational. They were very sincere, VERY grateful, and they know that they have been truly blessed.
Some people see their "freebies" as just that. However, I see them as the work of God. He puts all people and situations in our paths. It is up to us to make our choices, just as it is for the Gosselins.
Have I agreed with everything I have seen on the show? Absolutely not. Have there been times when I have cringed at Kate or Jon's behaviour, absolutely. However, put a camera in my house you just might find similar situations, since I am by no means perfect.
We all focus on the negative most of the time. I do it in my own life as well. However, this family, these parents, these children have a lot to offer. They are God inspired. Do they always act accordingly, no. But to me that is what is so inspirational about the Gosselins. The idea that we all have tomorrow to live a better life.
Granted I know that we all different, but this is just how I see things.
Thanks for asking!