Yes, it's the sense of accomplishment, of finishing something that is the primary benefit of building these little models. You get to do it, it's relaxing, and you can say "I built that" at the end.
It's much easier to show your friends and family the mission-oak picture frame you built than some obscure bit of software. It needs no explanation and you'll be gratified (hopefully) by their response. Explain a low-level library you built to these same people and their eyes will glaze over while they hope you talk about something regular humans deem important.
