Sure even for myself if it's wet or runway length is a factor just get it down as early as possible....
But this is STN runway is hardly short there...
Personally I think they are flaring too high and too slow which is cause for the bounce and vast smoke.
But agreed there are some situations where a hard landing is warranted
I remember a flight I did once, where the only turn off was sort of in the middle of the runway, most of the guys would have to go to the end and back track, but I undershot safely and put it down harder than normal to save A- time & B- fuel