Functional Umaro Patch

True, but if you modify an event within the bounds of that event, you ensure compatibility. Using free space introduces the danger of patch conflicts.

One of the job of a ROM hacker is to manage free space and patch conflicts. If you can fit in the same event additional code it's good, but that require often a sacrifice, sometime not noticeable but sometimes noticeable. I don't see any downside with using free space if you provide the proper documentation. The problem is then on the patches that provide none.