Hello TMCD.
Learning any knot(s) is a good thing as is learning, period!
I personally don't use laid rope for much anymore, but I do know how to splice the various ways. Sometimes I do use the laid rope to perform my own quick tests of some of the knots offered here in the Forum, just to investigate the action concerning the twists and if they impact the security or if I think it will influence the strength.
Continue your quest and learn/try the long splice as well. Done correctly it is satisfying and looks more professional, imo.
Sometimes the tying of knots doesn't even have to have a use, it can be therapeutic. ;-)))
SS