The only reason for that system to exist is because the 737 MAX is effectively a flying flight simulator for earlier versions of the 737, because Boeing and par

The only reason for that system to exist is because the 737 MAX is effectively a flying flight simulator for earlier versions of the 737, because Boeing and particularly Southwest didn't want to spend the money to recertify pilots on a "new" type of aircraft. So yes, it's pretty much a crude hack that wasn't needed for any objective reason other than to save some money for shareholders, and now people are dead.