426 stroker, is it reliable?

I understand some have love for the small block but I never understood the reasoning to stroke one. It just seems like the hard way to get there to me.
Why wouldn't you just use a big block if you needed
more cubes.
If you need bigger than 440 you have no choice but a stroked assembly, I get that.
Not trying to ruffle feathers by asking this. Just curious why these stroked small blocks have gained in popularity like they have over a big block for you fellas.
Why ask so much out of so little?