It would be true that this save memory if applications did not increase their memory requirements over time, but the fast is that they do, and the rate at which they increase their memory use seems to be dictated not by how much memory they intrinsically need but how much is available to them.

There are notable exceptions. AI models, Image manipulation programs etc. do actually require enough memory to store the relevant data.

On the other hand I have used a machine where the volume control sitting in the system tray used almost 2% of the system RAM.

Static linking enables the cause of memory use to be more clearly identified, That enables people to see who is wasting resources. When people can see who is wasting resources, there is a higher incentive to not waste them.