I feel like it'd be compelling to some enthusiasts because of the low barrier (well, minus learning the IDK) to developing something they'd like for a Roku.
Although if you're going to… develop something for a Roku, I feel like a Raspberry Pi might be easier.
But Roku already has some things already built in. Including a very functional remote. Sure all of that can be created on a raspberry pi - but is it really worth the effort? Plus cost wise, Roku would be cheaper than a raspberry pi by the time you add up the cost of all the individual components.
Yeah, I've gone the raspberry pi route for a tv connected home media center, I'm much happier with a bunch of Rokus & a remote Plex server. It's 100x more polished than even the best open source projects, and it is no effort on my part to keep them up to date and functional. Just one less thing to think about, making room for other fun projects.
Although if you're going to… develop something for a Roku, I feel like a Raspberry Pi might be easier.