Sounds like he was just trying to show off his new gadgets? I've got Hue bulbs in every room, but if it's easier to flip a switch, I'll flip a switch (Hue bulbs still turn off/on with the regular wall switch...). What I think is useful is saying "turn off all the lights" when I'm about to go to bed, or if I'm out and about and want to make sure my lights are off.

The main reason I bought them was the ability to display multiple colors - I absolutely wear that out. I love having a red-colored room when I'm playing video games. Dimmed 'sunset' colors when watching a movie. Party colors when friends are over.

I think they're really fun, sometimes useful.