Or perhaps they desperately need a new computer but keep putting it off because they are busy with other tasks. And they'd be slowed down, at significant cost to the company until they get the free time to fill out the form.

Furthermore, the guy who doesn't need a new computer is probably going to be writing the paragraphs on company time, so he'd do it if he has nothing to do and needs to look busy. (I think it's safe to assume that the sort of place where you need 4 paragraphs to justify a new computer would also require for employees to look busy at all times.)

Why is everyone trying so hard to find purpose in broken administrative processes? There's usually none and, if there is its usually so hideous that it can't be put into writing.