Cool Whip has its advantages; it is handy; you can make a dessert or cake, top it with it, then freeze for later.
It doesn't have as much fat or sugar as whipped cream. You will usually have it on hand, whereas with whipped cream you may not have it handy.
I keep several in the freezer for fruit desserts, toppings for cobbler instead of ice cream; lots of uses.
My husband is diabetic, so he saves calories with cool whip. He has gotten used to not having everything to eat that he would like; ice cream, whipped cream, ect.
Mariah.