The pipeline scenario implies the use of nuclear power, or some other large facility to create the electricity, where the hydrogen would have to be piped far from the source. If the energy was distributed in hydrogen pipelines, nuclear plants could be located far from habitation, with only a supply of crackable water needed. And as far as I know, seawater works just fine. Hydroelectric facilities also tend to be limited as to where they can be practically located, and the energy may need to be transmitted a long distance.

Now, if small solar plants or some other relatively benign system is used to crack the water, obviously these could be located a lot closer to end users, and not as much piping would be needed.

Still, it is an appealing thought to imagine hydrogen being fed into our homes through old gas pipes, and creating electricity from home fuel cells. The hybrid fuel cells that can break down and use natural gas (already available almost everywhere), are an obvious stepping stone in this direction, and I see such cells as being big sellers, both in cars and homes, when the prices come down enough.