It is indeed correct that this function was simply copied from com_content. I highly doubt of anyone is using it in 3rd part components as it not working as it should be (see current issues in Joomla) and not flexible at all for re-use as it is mainly for com_content type components only.

But I understand backwards compatibility is important. @Bakual, what is your suggestion to move forward? A new function and deprecate the getActions one?