Interesting. Manual windlasses aren't popular but I wonder if they don't have a place.
Certainly not for all-chain rodes, or frequent anchoring, or really big boats with heavy ground tackle.
But with wiring and the required Ericson foredeck mods for power windlasses, simplicity is persuasive.
We are instructed to motor up to the anchor anyhow, and line is easy enough to take aboard. It's that last 30 feet of chain that's no fun to grab with the hands. If the hook is well buried the retrieval pull is awkward on the bow, and it might be nice to just stand back and pump the lever, even if it takes a while.
Armchair speculation. I don't have a windlass. I think it was Rick R. who had a manual and hated it. But that's FLorida, where folks anchor at the drop of a hat for a swim.