Is there an advantage of chosing the diagonal vs total # of ecosystem card?

[Lotsa_Llamas]

I can see no advantage to choosing an ecosystem card that requires a type of plant in a diagonal grid vs the flip side, which is just total # of that plant type. The total # of gives more points and has no placement requirements. Am I missing something? I supose the diagonal pattern does give more points for fewer items. I never choose it though.

[sorryimlikethis]

Diagonal is better if you have 4 or less. Total is better if you have 5 or more. I don't often choose diagonal either as I don't like the placement restrictions, but you could argue it's a safer pick with a higher floor.