I like 22 WMR so much that I don’t even have an LR rifle. (I do have a pistol though).
I’m find that a he WMR is often scoffed at as not significantly bridging any gap, usually between 22 LR and 223/5.56. The 22 Hornet is often brought up as more suitable for that gap which makes me laugh because the relative obsolescence of 22 Hornet makes it a non starter for nearly everyone.
The reason I gravitated towards 22 WMR in the first place was that because of statute in my state, the 22 WMR has a significant place in the hunting regulations because it is rimfire and not centerfire.
WMR is no slouch as an SD round. It doesn’t “blow apart” small game the way many folks say. Ammo is still relatively inexpensive and includes better constructed bullets than 22LR and also, at least I believe, is manufactured more along the lines of premium ammo compared to 22LR.
There seems to always be some reason new or old things are created or are hanging on.