If it's a referral code at the account level, then you can't easily have multiple providers supplying tools for the client. Whereas, if it's part of the deploym

If it's a referral code at the account level, then you can't easily have multiple providers supplying tools for the client. Whereas, if it's part of the deployment itself, the utilization of one partner tool can be distinguished over another. Or in other words, the "cut of the revenue" needs to be in proportion to the usage of Azure resources generated by the partner tool. I think that's why its designed this way.