I think Andy prefers stall motors to servos.
No problem.
I happen to prefer servos.
Since both types of control (along with solenoids, wire in tube, and hand of God) can all be made to work, I believe it boils down to a matter of personal taste.
As to being "totally redundant" and a "total waste of money" , it could be argued that the entire model railway is redundant/waste of money, as it is only a hobby and not an essential for sustaining life. But then life is more enriching with hobbies.