Like several others here, I enjoy the fact that buffets let me sample a variety of different dishes. It increases my enjoyment and lowers the risk that I order one dish that's done poorly. There's also the benefit of immediate satisfaction: start eating now, not after waiting to order and then waiting for your food to be prepared, and be done that much sooner.

I am not the big fan of buffets today that I was at age 18. I have enough money now that I can afford quality over quantity. So I only choose buffets when they provide adequate quality at a good price. I will often ask to view the buffet before deciding whether or not to stay at the restaurant. Basically the standard I apply is, "Would I eat food that looked like this as an entree?" As a result I generally only eat at higher end buffets, normally those focusing on fresh steaks or seafood.