Originally Posted By: Shotgunlover
Shotgunjones makes a very valid point.

Also, good mechanical design bypasses screws which by nature are stress concentrators. But 19th century designs deemed "best" had them so we must have them....

I think the thought was 'new world helps old world', not old world gets replaced. I think it's the about overall image, not the fastener. Even if it isn't so, it probably needs to look like a production machine can't make it, or that the power driver in the kitchen drawer is the go to tool.