Well it's something we use all the time. It's super convenient because there's no risk of the window suddenly opening wide-open should there be too much wind.

Well it's something we use all the time. It's super convenient because there's no risk of the window suddenly opening wide-open should there be too much wind. And it's not just windows: there are doors that work like that too. And at night, during summer time, you can still create an airflow without letting your window fully open: so for thieves it's not as easy to get in as if you had let your window opened. Honestly I take it for granted: I'm surprised when I stumble on a window that doesn't have that mechanic.