I think multi-cursors can be seen as an extension of macros, just that instead of defining the macro and navigating to the relevant places you instead navigate first and then execute the commands interactively (in essence skipping the part where you have to record). As a side effect you also don't need to be that concerned about what to do after having made a mistake. I've had some pretty nasty string-wrangling with the substitute command that could've been avoided by just using a macro and the other way around. I'd argue these things complement each other and there is no need to restrict yourself arbitrarily. Having it and not using it is better than needing and not having. I can recall countless times where multi-cursor would've been just the sweet-spot I needed.

P.S.: multi-cursor is not about moving around the code base and therefore not taking lessons about navigation has no impact in this matter.