An insightful investigation of the question “When is a Generative Model Useful?” Bowman proposes a model of generative model utility:

I think the usefulness of a generative model is a function of three things:

1. What is the cost of encoding a generative task in a prompt vs. directly producing the artifact? This is a function of the task, the model, and the user.
2. What is the cost of verifying the generated artifact meets requirements vs. a directly produced artifact? This is mostly a function of the task and the user, but also the generative model.
3. How much is the task dependent on the artifact vs. the process? This is a function of the task.