I'd say it's equally beneficial. Mapping a button to cargo scoop or galaxy map (or whatever) will help anyone. Also I can't imagine typing a message in the chat without a keyboard. It's about having more buttons and not having to scroll through menus to do the same job. Just need a Bluetooth keyboard on your coffee table.
As for now on XboxOne, we can use any USB keyboard to directly chat in the comms window, but, we can't use the keyboard for key bindings.
Frontier has no part in this, its purely on Microsoft to not to allow Frontier to gain access.
If the PS4 does support keyboard for keybindings now with some game, i dont see any reason why this will not be in Elite Dangerous.
Regarding HOTAS vs Controller, the Controller is the second best thing after the HOTAS, and HOTAS will only mostly bring more immersion, and only a few game play benefits.
We would benefit more if we were able to use keyboard keybindings.