I guess this strikes me as an odd case to optimize for.

If you've ever needed directions and the computer sent you the long way around, or through an area you know there's traffic/construction/etc., or you just wanted to take the scenic route, then the A, B, C [D, [E, [...]]] feature is awesome.

I live in Vermont and can never get any of the mapping services to give me even remotely optimum directions. It's nice to know that I can now specify that one dirt road that bridges a gap and it'll string everything together for better directions.

(This might also be a great feature for those running courier services.)

However, I still prefer Google Maps... I can't seem to live without the Hybrid view. : \