Yes. Anytime you want something to be replicable. If I am making a custom case, connector, or other piece of hardware, I want a standard part. A $170 RPi won't

Yes. Anytime you want something to be replicable. If I am making a custom case, connector, or other piece of hardware, I want a standard part. A $170 RPi won't be $170 forever, but I know I'll be able to buy it approximately forever (or a compatible successor). I want mounting holes, ports, and similar to be in the same place. When I was first doing contract engineering work straight out of school, my time was worth $125/hour. Last time I was doing it, it was worth $350/hour. With inflation, I'd guess it's higher now, but I don't know. A $170 part for prototyping is okay. An extra 5 hours dealing with compatibility or form factor issues is not.