I think the 2836 is preferred because it does have the option to have both day and date, so the manufactures like it because that movement can be used in more watches, both date only, and day date, so it can reduce inventory. Because of this more cases and movement rings are cut to use it. Also because it has both day and date, the date wheel is different, it is stepped(the 2836) the date wheel on the 2824 is flat. Date wheel overlays tend to have problems on 2824s because of them being flat.
Also the 2824s have really short pinions and when you use a 2824 with an overlay i think it raises the dial up so high, the hands tend to rub the dial so the pinions and wheels have to be replaced with taller units to correct this.