That's how I use Kodi on an (otherwise) headless HTPC (a RPi) connected to my TV. You don't need to build and maintain a content library, plugins, etc. Select Videos - Files, navigate to a folder, select the file and enjoy.

> What are people's favorite "killer apps" for software like Kodi? Is it just convenience and I've have had bad luck?

Control via a TV remote and no need to hook up my laptop to the TV every time is a killer convenience feature for me.