Using the fingering for the G chord that involves the pink can feel very awkward at first, but it comes in handy as Slipin points out.

When the first finger is freed up, it can be used to play a Gsus4 easily by adding the C on the second string (first fret). You can also play a Gadd9 by adding the A note on the 3rd string (2nd fret). As you are strumming, you use these and ornamentation notes to add some spice.

With the other fingering for the G chord (pinky not used at all), none of this is available.