I agree. The one area where an eSIM has a lot of value is in those locations where there might be a language or process barrier to obtaining a travel SIM. In a place like Singapore where you can get a 100 GB data pack with calling and even roaming in adjacent countries for S$20 in 5 minutes at the airport, there's probably not a case for an eSIM. In a place like Japan where even if you have some Japanese language knowledge there are still barriers to buying a physical SIM as a visitor, an eSIM can be a lot more valuable.

Another value add for eSIMs is that companies like Airalo have regional (and even global) eSIM options for those places that don't have roaming agreements in place, such as non-EU, where your tourist SIM might stop working the second you cross the border.