I think that, in part, it is related to the consumer's natural preference to keep his options open. A big part of making something simple is to decide things f

I think that, in part, it is related to the consumer's natural preference to keep his options open. A big part of making something simple is to decide things for the user. At first glance, the user is likely to prefer the item with all the bells and whistles, even if he never rings those bells or blows those whistles. I think it takes a lot of effort and courage from the designer to decide some - and hopefully the right - things for the user knowing that the risk is to provide a product that might not meet every user's needs. The timid and lazy will push the decision and effort off on the user.