In the article "The Popularity of Formulaic Writing" written by Mark Wiley the benefits and downfalls of using formulaic writing is discussed.  Schaffer argues in favor of using formulaic writing.  Formulaic writing is used for writing multiparagraph essays by using a thesis, concrete detail, commentary, introductions, conclusions, and body paragraph.   In Schaffers' format there is "a ratio of a 1 CD to 2 CMs must always be maintained in the writing  students produce so that they internalize this basic pattern."  Using this format can help students with there writing by giving them a format to use.   The only problem with the students internalizing this format is it could be hard for them to break away from it when they get further into there writing careers. 
 There are a few reasons why formulaic writing can be helpful.   One reason is that students can "learn how to separate fact from opinion."  By having the concrete detail and then the commentary it makes it easy for students to set up a paper.   They know they need to find some concrete details that they will then comment on using their opinions.   Schaffer feels that there is no concern for problems with formulaic writing because "because students may leave it once they understand it.  Some students leave the format early in the process; others choose not to leave it at all because they like the structure and say it helps them know what to do with a blank page."  Either students will keep using this technique or they grow and develop a new form that works for them.  It seems that to Schaffer if students don't move beyond the style of formulaic writing this is not a problem.
There are some criticisms of formulaic writing.   One of the criticisms is that students don't get beyond the formula and become reliant on it.  I think that using the formula can be helpful to struggling writers but can hinder them later on.   Its kind of like training wheels.   Your not supposed to use them forever and the concern is that some people get comfortable with what is safe for them.   To become really proficient writers people need to be able to move beyond the formulaic style of writing.