the issue is this
Laminar flow will achieve far better results, however
if your laminar surface becomes dirty, its performance degrades to below sub turbulent flow circumstances.

So there are 2 possible objectives
1/ design for Laminar flow, and maintain that surface
2/ design for turbulent flow and be less at hazard of faulting

I think manifolding for engines in particular has progressed beyond supersizing turbulent flow, where the focus now is on efficient combustion chamber filling often involving an induced swirl.

Golf balls are subject to regulation, but the initial science is still pretty solid, in that a balls flight needs to hold 2 attributes, low drag, and lift. Lift is achieved by spin, in which case an attached thicker boundary layer aids lift because the flying shape is larger.

I remember there used to be a stick on product by 3M that had micro score lines in it and it was well supported by evidence that drag was reduced. So much so that back in the days of Australia II some NYC 12 meter raters were using the stuff for the slight advantage. Wonder where all that science is now?

If you can keep whisper clean skin like racing boats that can are hauled out and cleaned between races, well thats one case scenario. If you cant? I still think the fairest surface is probably the best course, but theres a difference between fair and surface finish.