I tend to think of it as strategically utilized to provide a differentiating factor between the P3P and the P3A when they were new. One sensor for both models means no need to add to manufacturing and supply chain complexity by sourcing for two different sensors. Now several months in with the P3S already released, some functionality can be strategically unlocked in the P3A.
This is very common in the high tech industry.
The bear gets it! Glad to see someone here who understands!