There is automation build around running system tests and we depend on capturing all the logs. Now if you will disable redirect of console logs to the log file then that means all existing automation will have to change. Thus breaking stuff. All these are flags that can be overwritten using the -D flag so if something needs to be changed that will be backwards in compatible you should use the -D flag instead unless you start a thread on the mailing list and make sure every one is aware before making the change.