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The most important reason is that I can keep the CLI output and help for humans, while the MCP can be crammed with information for agents.

Plus I can add some complex commands like in the rcmd Stages [1] case where the agent can create a 4 monitor layout with apps and windows placed where you want, with every window opening the document/folder/project/URL you want and running the terminal commands you need. Sure you can do that with the CLI, but it's hard enough to get right because of shell quoting issues, that even an agent can get it wrong.

For simple tasks though, sure, the CLI is just enough and the agent can use it without needing to install yet another MCP. You'll know when you need it.

[1] https://lowtechguys.com/rcmd

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EDIT: I just remembered, you can even hook the Claude/Codex/Gemini desktop app to the MCP, while you can't get it to use the CLI. so there's that for users that still don't feel comfortable at a terminal, which is a number higher than you might estimate.

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