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I think its a great question, its an interesting way into history and the problem of veracity for the past. It also lets you explore issues around the foundation for stories and archetypes, as well as it being a cool story and an interesting period. Its also a good way to get students into presenting arguments rather than just furrowing facts.
There would have been Robin Hood characters whether or not they gave to the poor or were just respected because they represented an affront against the power structures (landowners, feudalparties etc) and so poor people who were pretty much stuck in the mire of their social positions could take hope from seeing others break free of the mundane reality. In a way its a lot like rockstars were in the seventies (not that I was around then but they dont seem to make em like that anymore), idols of a life beyond the strictures of society.
Whether or not there was a specific Robin Hood is up in the air, I like to think so, cause he would have been cool.
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