Actually macros do a lot more than search-replace, including things repeating key strokes across several buffers(tabs in vim). In Emacs you can even have incant

Actually macros do a lot more than search-replace, including things repeating key strokes across several buffers(tabs in vim). In Emacs you can even have incantations, to open connections to remote servers with tramp etc. Some times things like inserting text after three(or 'n') words etc etc. This can be hard to do by a straight search-replace. There's a big difference between manipulating text and these sort of tasks. You will surprised just how many repeated tasks you do without you even knowing you are. At times there are even patterns in places where one things there is total randomness. And many times some people might not be aware that a particular editing pattern saves effort if done through a macro than done manually.