Just another 8 options to distribute signal. Handy for parallel compression, side chain feeding, external FX, analog summing, switching to different bus processing just for parts of a song…
Direct Routing has two modes (selectable globally or on channel basis, rightclick in the top DR rack bar or in Mix Console menu) - just one routing active or all together.
There’s actually a lot you can do with it. It’s a concept found in most analog desks (routing to multiple subgroups).