Probably because it adds like 75 cents to the total and means they don't have to worry about as many SKUs, which saves labor while shipping. It's effectively cheaper to include them.
You can use Via but you will need the json file to upload. https://wiki.keebmonkey.com/en/products/mmp
Also the default orientation when remapping the pad is with the knob facing you.
Lighting cannot be controlled in Via and you will temporarily need to enable lighting control.