i cant answer that bbforks
i cannot speak for the manufacturer

but it is of MY opinion they are putting these "safety" features on these machines for a specific reason. My best guess would be they are doing it in response to the number of accidents that happen from unattended machines that are reported to OSHA every year due to operator negligence. I'm sure there are other reasons though. But as i said.... its just my best guess :o)

so from a safety standpoint i would say it might be mandatory...