However, this explanation is useful but not sufficient. So it was a contentious removal. But now that no one vocally wanted this feature in the past years, it looks like that we can safely remove it. Maybe we will add it after decades. Just keep it in mind.
What makes you think it was a contentious change? Here's the thread discussing this change:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=9334.0. It is very non-contentious. Pretty much everyone agrees with the removal.
Sure, It was not contentious, Given the Bips 70-73 luv2drnkbr provided. I was wrong.