Due to that recourse, it is unlikely to be used as an escrow mechanism 
Really? Do you think people won't be able to understand the benefit? (If your response is an argument that there's no benefit at all, I guess that will reinforce the case that people won't be able to understand it.)Yes, because that recourse open up the possibility of either victimising people who have grudges or simple trolling (just look at 4chan) ... a host of trolls will get buyers to do escrow transactions and refuse to release them because it costs them nothing to do so.
An effective automated escrow mechanism needs to disincentivise both parties from scamming/trolling.
Buyer puts full amount in and seller puts 5% in, now it costs something.