Optimization is the key to efficient automation. While shorter duration does not always stand for optimization, it is an important part of optimization. Here is the scenario:
You have a friend who has just learned how to use PowerShell, and they are excited about Select-Object *, which they just found out shows information that is not usually visible with the vanilla Get-ChildItem. You ask them why they want to use Select-Object *, and they say it's because they would like to get the CreationTime of the files as well. Of course, you are trying to tell them that they are not efficiently querying the metadata. They ask for proof.
