This is where experience really counts.
Most of us need to have a 1/2" drive to handle the heavy stuff - like cylinder head bolts. I’ll bet no one can really do that without that wrench.
Smaller things like spark plugs? I used the 3/8" to get a feel as to how much was too much. I rarely use it now.
I’m struggling with the 1/4" thing. I will hand tighten certain things - small bolts, but I guess over the years I’ve developed that feel for what’s too much. I could see it as a tool for situations like MountainBike said - or learning what it is supposed to feel like.