[SideburnsOfDoom]

I get that the language syntax is now (slightly) more regular.

But also, reading the code will mean keeping track of (slightly) more possible outcomes.

[Metasyntactic]

Sure. But that was the case prior to this feature as well. Previously you'd have to store the variable somewhere and null check it. Those could all lead to different outcomes. This just encapsulates that pattern safely in a regular manner. :)