Pacifiers and toddlers…

So what is the deal with 2 year old’s or even older ( I have seen them up to age 5) using a pacifier? It is absolutely ridiculous. None of my children used one after the age of 4 months ( that includes my preemie twins) they all learned to sooth themselves without sticking something in their mouth. After the age of 10 months it is recommend that pacifier use be stopped according to research done by the university of Finland ( as reported on www.drgreene.com) The research also states that there is a %50 increase of ear infections when children under 2 used a pacifier. The site also states “Too often pacifier use persists into middle childhood either out of habit, or because the pacifier has become the child’s “lovey” - and not out of any true sucking need. They might just as easily have found comfort from something else.”
So what would the purpose of having a child use a pacifier for toddlers through preschoolers?