My question is, when is it appropriate to use a TCP
When it is directed by any command above a battalion, it usually isn't a good thing.

I tend to agree that they are good for very little, unless a lot of preparation, planning, and shaping of the "battlefield" has taken place before execution.

Dropping one, even if for only a few brief moments, does little more than offer force protection problems in my experience. Since they require a lot of training to get done right, they are typically done poorly.

Good luck finding a better way to skin that cat.