IMO, the purpose of a solid surface (not just stone) counter top should be for relative longevity, attractiveness, ease of use and care.

I've had a lot of laminate counter tops. You don't have to wipe water off them since the laminate is completely water proof - EXCEPT at the seams. But you can't put a hot pot down on it.

That's where granite also falls down as well. It will stain - easier than marble if untreated, and you can't put a hot pot down on a sealed granite counter. What's left is simply the aesthetic, IMO. Which is still a valid reason for having something like this installed. Though if you're into baking, the cold stone is also very nice for working on dough - though marble is likely even better than granite here.

I only cut on wood and very occasionally on a polymer cutting board, so it doesn't mater what a counter top is made of WRT to cutting (for me). In a larger kitchen I've love, soap stone which I've already mentioned, and at least one large section of counter top made of hard maple (butcher block). Then I really could cut on the counter.