Gaming in 4k or AI (e.g stable diffusion or language models)

Future proofing. GPUs are expensive and I expect to be able to use it for at least the next 7 years, even better if it lasts longer than that.

VR uses a lot of RAM.

Unless your gaming that's fine.

But if you want to play any newer AAA games (even less than 5-8 years old) or use more than 1080p. You'll need better.

And I thought I had the lamest card on the block with my 2GB. ..

AI. But you're right my 4G 5500XT so far is putting up a valiant fight though I kinda dread trying out CP77 again after the big patch it's under spec now. Was a mistake to buy that thing in the first place, should've gone with 8G but I just had to be pigheaded with my old "workstation rule" -- Don't spend more on the GPU than on the CPU.