I agree. I reach for my 224 way more than I do the 217. It's so great for softening looks. I think the size puts so many people off, but it's so soft that it can go anywhere and deliver results.
The 217 was the first Mac brush I got (recommended by the MA as a good first brush) and I was amazed at how I could blend my eyeshadows so well when I couldn't blend for the life of me before I got it.