I see it as OEMs finding a way to cut cost
. All premium cars have real-time tire pressure readings. But I agree, if all you care for or all that this avail to the user is a dummy light, the hub sensor is preferred (winter tires).
But I like real-time TPMS and for those with an in-car Android head unit, you can have this running in the background and set pre-alert thresholds so that if pressure is below a set value, it sends an audio/visual alert or email alert (if connected to 4G/5G/hotspot). Tire pressure and MPG are good friends.
Awesome that you were knowledgeable and calling the guy out!
What color is the Accord's OE valve cap? Silver valve cap (has a gasket to seal against the stem, unlike regular black caps which are just plastic covers) is used to identify TPMS sensor. If the tech 'rebuilt' the valve, you should have one silver cap.