What actual (as opposed to 'theoretical') problem does this solve? I understand it solves the fictitious 'prior art' problem many technical people think exists,

What actual (as opposed to 'theoretical') problem does this solve? I understand it solves the fictitious 'prior art' problem many technical people think exists, but which few or no people who actually do patent stuff I know consider to be a real issue. Then again I haven't done any actual research on whether it is an issue, I'm just wondering if anybody with a legal background was involved in this. (disclaimer: I have a law degree but have never practiced and have only ever written a few papers on patent matters, none of which directly involved the issue at hand).