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There are a few slight variations on the meaning of pretension. One that might reveal how pretension can be helpful would be the one that refers to making an authoritative claim on knowledge. This would be helpful in a leadership role.
For example, an artist, art historian, or art dealer goes to the art gallery with some friends. Being pretentious might lead the friends of the "art authority" to put stock in what is said and everyone has a valuable experience.
On the other hand, the dangerous side of pretension leads one who feels self-important to bullshit things they don't know. Those who have put stock in such a person will accept these things willingly.
The distinction is an important one.
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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön
Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot
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