You don't always have to cast as far as you can but you can never cast further than as far as you can. Nice to have the ability and not use it. bad to need it and not be able to do it.
The Canal is an example where long casting capability is definitely a plus. Another time is in August and Sept when when Albies and Bonito cruise the coast and always seem to be just a little further out than an average cast can reach. Og course in the fall when stripers are on the surface busting bait , the longer you can cast , the more of those schools you can hit.
Now normal shore fishing for stripers usually only requires normal casting ability. Sometimes even just 10 feet is enough!
Some guys got the nack or have developed the nack for long casting. Some have extra big muscles etc , some are athletic. Regardless of how well 99.9% of the people get at distance casting , there will still be times when the guy next to you leaves you in the dust.