Does anyone use variables to work with the base?

Question

MODX

Some time ago I fell in love with Revo, but to this day, when writing snippets, I use pure php code to work with the base. It just seems to me that it's easier to remember one thing than to unnecessarily interfere with your code with engine resources.
In this regard, I have a question. Maybe I don't understand anything in this life. Is there any really useful practical use for modx variables to work with the base?