Why was the original NES console designed with a spring loaded cartridge elevator thingy?

When the SNES came out they had clearly seen the flaw with this thing. But why did the designers think that that was practical? It seems rediculous. Anyone know about why this was a worthwhile choice for the console?

Maybe it is relevant that the look of the machine was very nice, compact, and modern. Having the cassette in there might have kept the overall look streamlined.

It could also be that they didn’t trust children to be able to carefully do that last step of inserting the delicate cartridge, so they semi-automated the step.

Anyone else?