Re:(why?)
-- I really don't understand why so many Linux distros install it [...] --
Probably the same reason a "server" install (on a headless machine) of some mainstream distros includes a metric buttload of video-card drivers and other media-munging cruft. Either they can't be arsed to figure out what is useful or
"I once left Hercules support off the install disk I made for my Gran, and caught hell"
"Does your Gran run a rack full of headless Xeon servers?"
"No, but she _MIGHT_!"