It actually is sort of nice, because "works" isn't binary. It's nice to be able to charge a laptop with what you have, even if it doesn't charge quite as fast. You can transfer data over a cable at lower speeds even if it doesn't run at top speed.
Using the "right" cable is performance optimization. This isn't like the old days when plugging things in the wrong way might damage your machine.
Using the "right" cable is performance optimization. This isn't like the old days when plugging things in the wrong way might damage your machine.