Most likely because it appeals to the credibility of the author.
A text account I guess some might say would not be as reliable but with a visual account you have proof that it happened. Hope this helps
Conflict is the base of the story. Without conflict, the story has no plot, the characters don't experience anything, and there isn't really any developments at all. As for the second question, I think that's your own opinion.
Sentences? How about this:
Hitting the tree put a dent in my car.
I found a stash of candy hidden under my brother's pillowcase.
Or if you need them both in one sentence:
I tried to get to the stash of food behind the metal door, but I could barely make a dent.
Is that what you needed?
