Clearly continental layouts could have appropriate scenery which may require the use of such figures for realism.
Not too sure that UK modellers could find a use for such figures although modellers being modellers no doubt a reason could be found.
Wouldn't it be fun though if an exhibitor at Warley placed a few of these figures around the layout!
They might have to put up screens and a warning message I suspect! That would further lengthen the queues to see the layout!
It could improve the image of UK railway modellers and a story might even appear in tabloid newspapers!
Happy modelling
Gary