So smart switches are solving two problems instead of one problem: When you want to automate it, you can. When you just need it to work conventionally as a light switch without breaking your automation, it also does that. They are the no-compromise solution.
I guess that's the thing: I can't imagine wanting to automate a light switch. There are plenty of practical things to automate. For example, window shades for passive solar heating (or the prevention thereof), hvac, hell I think it would be awesome to have a temperature sensor in my utility room and machinery to "scram the reactor" (shut off the well pump and drain all the water pipes) if the temperature drops below 34°F. But light switches?
Sibling comments suggest automatically turning on/off lights if someone is expected to arrive or depart, but wouldn't that person just think "weird, they left the lights on"?
