One reason would be to reduce executable size on systems where you are sure the correct DLL exists. This made a lot of sense when executable sizes were critical

One reason would be to reduce executable size on systems where you are sure the correct DLL exists. This made a lot of sense when executable sizes were critical. Install the CRT once, and any app can use it. The MS approved solution as I understand it is to bundle the CRT installer in your own installer. This of course makes no sense if you have no installer. So it's a better idea to statically link the CRT and not worry about what your users have.