As any other bike, you decide what the purpose of the bike is for you.
I started riding road bike over 30 years ago, pedaled across the continent and still enjoy riding my road bike 1-2k miles annually.
I started riding a recumbent about 13 years ago, originally just trying it out for riding slower pace with my GF, so I don't have to strain my neck, shoulder, arms as on a road bike riding at slower pace. But the more I ride a recumbent the more I find it more efficient than my road bike for long hours in the saddle.
I am able to ride longer, further without neck, back, shoulder or wrist pain. I am able to recover faster after a long recumbent ride vs road bike ride.
On flat ground, I am faster and use less energy to go fast on a recumbent bike.
I don't ride a trike, I feel that it you take up as much road, you might but as well be in a cage like a car.