I think there was something in a ruleset (I can't recall the precise one off the top of my head but it indicates the thought process) that it had to be a direct disconnect rather than going through a relay or regulator of any kind, and since relays can weld shut/be damaged by shock and FETs can go open crcuit if you look at them funny, you can see why a direct disconnect is safer. You can get anti-spark connectors to minimise the risk and it's honestly not something I'd ever be concerned about grabbing. Plus more components always means more parts that can go wrong...

I think of combat robotics as a sort of art too, gods know I fuss over the placement of parts and making it all look logical, but if you're trying to make every single part fit artistically you're going to have your work cut out with the rest of the electronics!