[quote=@Mysaren]
Roleplays where there's a very specific list of characters and their traits.

I see it a lot on this other website I go on.

It's like

Character name//The Nerdy One XDXDXD//female//nerdy, shy, geek :PPP//[whoever they're played by]
Character name//The WACKY ONE!?!?!?!?!?//Male//Crazy!! :P :P Funny!!! Sarcastic!!//[whoever they're played by]

There's usually about 10 characters in these types of roleplays. They're in specific pairs. 

What's the point?
[/quote]

Do you mean an existing list of player-made characters, to keep track of them? Or a GM-made list of archetypes?

For the latter, I've seen it done well a few times. When done well, it's a helpful guideline, with the right group anyway. I think it's a way for the GM to play the plot out the way they want to, and it's a great jumping-off point for people who aren't very sure what character to use, etc. I personally like it when it's done well, but your example there is an example of it done badly. Basically, if you have a good GM, a good plot, a good group, any combination of those really, it's not so bad. I actually kind of like them, feels more prepared, instead of just sort of flying into a plot with no plan. Helps with character development too I find. 
Probably a personal preference, though. Believe me, I love original characters, but sometimes these guides are good as just that; guidelines.