Like everything else, it's a style that's popular right now. And it can be done freehand on a LA or on your home machine. I think the reason that most people don't do it on their home machine is the wear and tear on your hands.
It's also something that is area driven. I have ladies that bring me quilts and want just a wide meander. Sometimes what they want isn't enough to hold the quilt together. We usually find something that works and makes them happy.