I just installed one of these for my g/f in her back yard catio and I think it's great. I play 7 a side on it twice a week.
Why would people want such a useful material 'banned'? If you don't like it, then don't install it. If it doesn't work out great in your space, then you can always remove it.
In terms of waste, you can say that about literally everything we consume.
I'm not sure what you mean by that, but in many cases people are laying it over what otherwise would be concrete, or gravel places that are not suited to a lawn.