Why do some aircraft have multiple switches for the landing lights?
On a dark morning preflight check, I can verify that the lights all work by turning each one on, one at a time, without leaving the flight deck. Less lifespan on the bulbs &amp; less disruption to the ramp to have several quick flashes of light within a few seconds, than turning everything on, walking outside to observe everything, and then going back inside.
Plus, it's probably a hold-over from days of minimal automation (think, 727 Flight Engineer panel - now entirely replaced by automation &amp; a few switches on the overhead panel) when each {whatever} had its own switch.
I could get creative &amp; invent another scenario or two when I want &quot;this&quot; but not &quot;that&quot; light on, but the preflight is probably the best example of that.