Yep, and they'll build your mid-section too. I'm not a bodybuilder, so don't much care, but my back doesn't look as big as it actually is because my abs and obliques are so massive from deadlifting. I do a lot of heavy no belt deadlifting though, max sets of 10, triples and singles, etc. It's to the point a belt does not offer much additional support.

My favorite lift. Nothing wastes me like heave deads.

Im not a vet, but I believe that deadlifts greatly accelerated my back development. For a while I figured "Oh I dont need deadlifts, Ill do other exercises instead" and my back progress definitely slowed down. Once I threw DLs back in there, my back began really taking off. I have also really mastered learning how to get the most out of my back workouts so that also really helped I am sure.

I generally stick in the 5-6 rep range on my leg days. Once in a while I will try out a 2 rep max. I genuinely enjoy doing DLs and have a healthy back, so that's why I personally will continue to do them.

deads can be an awesome movement, but not for everyone. a lot of great backs have been built with heavy deads, Dorian, Kai, Dallas McCarver, etc.

Some awesome backs have also been build without doing any dead lifts. Phil Heath doesnt do deads, and he was able to bring his back up from one of his weakest bodyparts as an amateur to now being one of his strongest (behind his arms lol).

overall i would say if your able to do them, they should be included in your routine from time to time, but if for some reason you arnt able to due to spinal issues etc, i wouldnt force them.

If you can do deadlifts that is great and I would highly recommend for helping with back development. If you can't do them, I wouldn't worry about it. There are still plenty of other tools in the toolbox to fully develop your back.

Depends on what your goal is. I see many guys in my gym who do no deadlifts and have massive backs.
You can achieve the same if you manipulate arm position and when doing certain back exercises using a wider grip. There are actually a few exercises that offer the same benefit of deadlifting as far as muscle development. As soon as I am back in the gym tonight I will get the name of the machine and exercise.

Fuck yes!