...and the primary intended purpose of the larger one is mass installation across networks. That is why the information given to you appears to be directed exclusively to network administrators. However, the larger version can be convenient to a home user if it ever comes time to reinstall Windows; simply browse to your backup install file and double-click to apply the pack to your reinstall; no downloading, no waiting, no internet access required.

Microsoft (alone) would prefer individual users use the smaller version. Perhaps this is simply for "simplicity's sake", allowing only the required components be downloaded an installed (?ha?), but they mos def like to keep tabs on how many pirated copies of Windows are being used by having each installation of Windows call home ;).