Why aren't we utilizing embedded previews more in Darktable?

It would be the same for both programs - embedded jpeg is the same size, no matter which program you use to extract ad view it.

And this was mentioned as big disadvantage by few guys in this topic. No possibility to show 1:1 (pixel by pixel) jpeg in DT, which would be fast and accurate method when evaluating/sorting photos. Processing full demosaiced raw for this purprose is too slow. And, what I mentioned with examples, DT deforms details in “fit to screen” jpeg previews, and when processing raw for 1:1 preview purproses - picture details (especially edges) are even more deformed. (see screenshots - the same bug for Panasonic RW2 and Canon CR2 files).

So - recommended view modes are not only unusable but also make good pictures looking like they were only worth deleting.

That’s the point. In case of wildlife serial shoots, selecting/sorting/evaluating requires fast rolling between sometimes 200-300 pictures of almost the same scene. Embedded jpegs (even from cameras that embed jpeg with 1/4 of raw resolution) are detailed enough to use with 1:1 preview (eg. to check how bird’s nails are clamping a branch) as well as “fit to screen” preview to decide which picture shows best position. If program utilizes embedded jpegs, selection takes minutes. Processing every raw with full demosaicing, every time user scrolls back/forth for 1:1 preview, takes hours for the same session.

Fault, “misclicked”, not intentionally. Normally I reply with quuted fragments if needed. Fortunately not big inconsistence this time.