I am concerned that the indescriminate use of manufacturers’ BIM blocks embedds proprietary requirements in the database which has a way of making its way into the specifications. This may or may not be helpful depending on your point of view. I believe that CAD processes used to develop BIM models force earlier decision making on the part of designers which most people would view as a good thing. I believe, however, that the data being embedded in the BIM model may be less, rather than more, generic.
Moreover, I would suggest that the decision to use a particular product may be based on the availability of BIM blocks rather than a thoughtful evaluation of the produce in relation to the particular needs of the project and the value this particular product contributes to the project. This value may be based on visual quality; i.e., blocks readily available from one manufacturer who turns out to provide fewer options in terms of colors/textures as well as blocks readily available from another manufacturer who turns out to offer (1) more expensive products, (2) no available installers, (3) less desirable warranty protection, (4) all of the above.
CAD jockies (and their kissin’ kin, the Reviteers) are seldom in a position to have any sort of real understanding of the implications of their decisions. The implications may become larger and more complex as the project develops with certain decisions based on availability of BIM blocks forcing the acceptance of unwanted parameters later in the design and documentation process.