It's not a hack because of the boilerplate - it's a hack because it's functionality implemented in a wrong place. I think the boilerplate made you believe it's

It's not a hack because of the boilerplate - it's a hack because it's functionality implemented in a wrong place. I think the boilerplate made you believe it's not a hack by making it look professional(ish), ie someone spend time putting a lot of lipstick on that pig, man page and all.