Warning! Spoilers for Batman #113 by DC Comics below
DC Comics just explained the reason why Batman needs his proteges just as much as they need him: he wouldn't be able to function without them. In Batman #113, Ghost-Maker admits he's starting to understand why Batman has multiple Robins and a surplus of sidekicks, as they keep him sharp and allow him to sleep when needed - something the Dark Knight rarely does anyway.
Being Batman's sidekick is one of the more challenging jobs in comics. While it might initially seem like a fun time - and it can be - Batman has so many enemies and people going after him at once across Gotham City that it's incredibly unsafe to be part of his team. Sometimes, it seems to doesn't matter how hard the hero tries to keep everyone protected. Famously, Jason Todd died at the hands of the Joker. Barbara Gordon was paralyzed and nearly killed by the Clown Prince of Crime. Almost all the other Robins have also had near-death experiences due to being an associate of Batman. There's no question he puts his sidekicks in danger. But, each protege is an essential part of the Bat-Family and helps the Caped Crusader become a better hero.
In Batman #113 by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles, Batman and Ghost-Maker head to Fort Graye to learn more about Fear State and the Scarecrow's attack. At the compound, Ghost-Maker discusses how much Gotham City has lived up to its dangerous reputation where something outrageous is always happening. He notes it feels like the chaos never stops. The hero is impressed with Batman's focus, telling him he understands why he has a "few dozen proteges," otherwise he would never sleep.
It might sound like a throwaway line, but Ghost-Maker is spot on with his assessment. Batman pushes himself to the edge physically and mentally every time he puts on the cowl. If he were doing everything himself, he likely would be swallowed by the insanity of Gotham City, despite his best efforts. Whether it's a Robin, a Batgirl, or another protege, the young heroes keep Batman fresh and allow him to focus and get much-needed rest when he calls for it. Plus, he's been saved by his proteges more times than he can count. They're extremely valuable Batman, not just personally, but as his function as a hero. He often has no choice but to call for help.
So, while it's easy (and fair) to criticize Batman for putting his young proteges in constant danger, there's little doubt they uplift him and make him a better hero. Without the Bat-Family, there might not still be a Batman. He might not want to admit it, but he needs his proteges as much as they need him. Without them, Batman is a weaker, less functional hero.