That's a good point!

Kev999
I only "need" 2 ins and 4 outs, but having a few extra ones is always handy and saves a bit of swapping around. It's convenient to leave some things permanently connected if you use them a lot.

Exactly.  Having dedicated inputs with levels set and ready to go is really nice.

davdud101

scook
From the manufacturer's viewpoint simpler the hardware is cheaper to manufacture. From the user's viewpoint simpler hardware means fewer points of failure. Personally, I do not bother much with the hardware since I can set up everything using software. It would not matter if the device only came with I/O ports.

That's an interesting point to bring up, scook because many maaany times, these puny interfaces are FAR more expensive than others with a whole lot more inputs and outputs. Is it just an insane pricing markup or are the components so very much better? 

I know when I went from my M-Audio Delta 1010 to the Audient iD22, there was a very noticeable difference in audio quality. I lost 6 ins and 4 outs, and spent a couple hundred more on the Audient, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I still have the Delta 1010 if I ever need the additional inputs again.