I can't say whether the same purpose applies to
schematics,
but it just might be.
During the 1970s and 80s, you would see this sort of thing with
projects in Radio Electronics and other hobbyist magazines. IN R-E,
Optoelectronics and PAIA were the worst offenders. Sometimes that
would even add (or delete) extra traces from the circuit board
artwork.
I suppose all of this was to make you pull your hair out, give up, and
order the kit.
--
Will