There is no such thing as a perfect projection. All map projections represent tradeoffs between different types of distortion. Selecting a projection requires consideration of several factors, one of which is the intended use of the map. Printed paper maps and digital data files are not used for exactly the same things. In particular, digital data can be reprojected inexpensively.
Digital data are more likely to be used to construct mosaics of very large areas.
Each of these options had advantages and disadvantages. The UTM, as the name implies, is universal. Given UTM coordinates and the zone number, geographic coordinates can be computed. Earlier USGS digital cartographic products were cast on the UTM for similar reasons, so the DRG program wanted to maintain consistency with these other digital products. Projection decisions are always tradeoffs between desired map characteristics, which in turn depend on the desired use of the data.