🚀 go-pugleaf

Neil,
Just as you do with the Dock, some users actually USE the applications folder. Why? Because they find it useful. It's easy to elude the issue if you don't experience it ;)

"...a user request that seems rigid and without a significant upside..."

Imagine your beloved Dock being forced to have ALL your applications! Or even one that you can't remove. Or not being able to change it's size or position. Would you accept that, bearing the knowledge that a better way exists?

Within a user interface the way things are placed and organized, to the exactness of pixels, is a very relevant matter. Every tiny aspect is a great plus for everyday use.
You classify things in folders because one item less means more attention and straight action to more relevant items.

User experience and interaction are great matters in computing because that is one of it's main porpoises. Wouldn't you agree?