Back in the late 60's I was working for a MF dealer when the 10 & 12 were made they originally had no safety devices, into the 70's safety switches were installed they kept you from starting the engine if the implement drive was engaged or the clutch was not depressed. Before production of those ended more shielding was added along with a deflector chute. Was told at the time there was a gold label and a silver label, depending op how safe it was. Noticed the operators manual on the inside cover and the first few pages listed all the safety decals and ended with the statement "If any are missing do NOT operate tractor". I would often jest that mowers were soon going to have a plexiglass over the blades and snow blowers were going to have the augers covered with chicken wire.
After 20 years left there and worked with mobile homes for about 18 years, returned to a dealer that sold lawn care equipment and was surprised at all the safety gadgets on new equipment.
After hearing how stupid people are and their ability to find a lawyer who could convince a jury that the rich, money loaded dealer and manufacturer ought to provide the poor injured party was excessive compensation because they designed a "defective unsafe" product. Now I understand why the price has excessive for just a simple mower. The manufacturer has to protect themselves and their dealers by designing equipment that even the dumbest person can operate and not get hurt.
Yes we all pay for these "improvements" and must suffer the possible inconvenience of them due to the few who take advantage of stupidity.
By the way are you aware in most states a dealer cannot bypass safety systems and must repair any safety items if the unit was taken to their shop for repair. If you refuse that repair a waver is supposed to be signed by the owner stating he knew the unit was unsafe and would not hold the dealer or manufacturer responsible for any injuries.