Up until the early 2000s I used to compile my own kernel, carefully selecting only the options that I needed.
Then I realised that I wasn’t saving memory, because almost everything was a module anyway.
Is there any actual benefit to using a custom kernel on consumer hardware that’s supported by the stock kernels?
Agreed. Worth it, when you need it. I get the sentiments of your post though; we’re not trying to fit a kernel on a 1.44MB boot disc anymore.