Role of offset in irons

[robertrex]

I often wonder the true role of offset. I know some of the stock answers, but how would you rank them? What do you think are the benefits and problems with offset?

1. Help the player hit it higher
2. Help the player hit it a little more left
3. Allow the designer to make the club more hook faced
4. Make it even harder to feel the sweetspot plan?

Anyway, what do you guys think?