Functionality Given Up, from Virtual Cable Assy to Normal?

When you create the cable /harness assembly it uses "virtual"components.

When flattening the assembly it changes the assembly from "virtual"to "normal".
There must be a reason why compoents are presently starting out as"virtual".

What is given up for subsequent editing of the routes, components,& wires,
when it now needs to be done on a "normal" cable routing assembly,rather than a virtual?SolidworksRouting