Edit: OK found the real reason. ADA requires 9" toe gap under partitions for maneuvering. 12" gap for compartments for childrens' use. If the compartment is wid

Edit: OK found the real reason. ADA requires 9" toe gap under partitions for maneuvering. 12" gap for compartments for childrens' use. If the compartment is wide and deep enough those requirements go away. ADA Standards: 604.8.1.4 Toe Clearance Those reasons are valid, but I'm not sure they beat "my vendor has a kit for this." Like, even if you wanted a partition that went to the floor, a lot of vendors don't even have them. That's why I say precedent is a big reason why.