It would just depend on the problem of course. My explanation was based on an actual experience. Captain explained that a problem had developed which would not effectively prevent him from continuing the flight to destination, but it would prevent it departing again until resolved (MEL issue). It would have required a spare to be flown in and a much longer downtime. The company elected to bring the aircraft back to base. When we landed (a few hours later) a spare (different type of) aircraft and a fresh crew were ready and within about 75 mins we were once again on our way.