[AnonymousPlanet]

I think this has to do with implicit behaviour vs. explicit statements. Using Optionals introduces an implicit layer that is much "thicker" than even the most tricky for syntax out there. There is a strong case for keeping all involved parts as simple as possible. And this assumes there are no implicit caveats and exceptions in the overall behaviour of the type, or that any one decides to subtly move the goal posts behind the scenes five years down the road.