I actually think that there is need for such "do absolutely everything" functions. I use them mostly as tools for rapid prototyping.
And there is a method with which you may be able to pass several strings to a function: ereg();
Another use for such functions is to create little code snippets for other people out there. They won't have to edit the function any longer if they do not use a parameter. They just don't name it when calling the function.
This results in allrounder functions that are very robust in their use.Normally you just have a little code snippet (e.g. ip-blocking snippets). Through this type of programming you have whole functions.