Yes—one main reason is flexibility. A plain 1/4" screw lets you attach whatever quick-release plate or clamp matches your preferred system, instead of being locked into one built-in plate design.

It can also be useful beyond camera mounting: these small ball heads are often used on monopods, lighting supports, cheese plates, accessory bars, and other rigging where a simple threaded mount is more versatile.

The longer screw and tightening nut can also provide secure thread engagement. The nut lets you tighten the connection without putting as much twisting force through the tripod or support itself. In practice, the screw is not necessarily weaker just because it is longer; the design allows adjustable thread engagement and a snug fit.

For secure mounting, one answer suggests threading the screw in until it just bottoms out, backing it off about a quarter turn, then tightening the nut.