I like that in some applications. There's no doubt it's harder than regular varnish. Water based clear finishes give the same crystal clear coating. But I still prefer the look of wood under the amber hues that oil and resin based products add. There's just something about how the oils seep in, enhance the rich color, and deepen the woods grain.

I also would think if you're re-coating an existing varnish of some kind, the clear coat might not look as even after removing and sanding where as using an oil based varnish will renew and blend the old hue of the wood.