I addressed this in the Quora post to after you edited it
The reason employers ask for TOGAF certification for Solution/Application architects because it makes it easier for the Enterprise Architect to communicate to them. To draw an analogy, this is the exact same reason we ask Junior-mid level software developers to learn about design principles and design
patterns. These software developers won't do design as part of their regular job. However, knowing the principles helps the lead/architect to communicate with the junior developer. Also, the hope is that the junior developer will grow into a lead/architect role. Having the background makes that transition easier. Similarily, knowing TOGAF makes it easier for the EA to communicate to the Architects. TOGAF has a lot of it's own language, which TOGAFians affectionately called TOGAFese. The TOGAF certification is basically
testing you on your knowledge of TOGAFese. Also, knowing TOGAF will help you grow into a EA role if you join a TOGAF organization. Some places, espescially government organizations have mandated that everyone above a certain level know TOGAF. Many times, they are just trying to tick a box
Also, it seems like some organizations use TOGAF certification as a filter. Generally, TOGAF certification becomes easier if you are already in a role that is involved in technical design and planning. If you are already a good Solutions/Application Architect, you will get some parts *like that* and some parts will be new to you. If you are already a succesful CTO, you will look at it and go *meh same thing new words*. If you are a PM, you might get parts around governance easily, but struggle with the parts that usually the technologists do. If you are someone who is trying to break into technology, it will all go over your head. When I took the exam, I went for a course, and there was a very junior BA there, and she totally zoned out. So, some companies put TOGAF certification as a preferred requirement. Having the rubber stamp gives them some assurance that you have been really playing some sort of architect role.