This is all about the litigious nature of the USA. All "safety" measures were made for supposed "good" reasons. But on the other hand, I went to Korea last year and they still have exposed voltage contacts in area's that kids can get to (not toddlers) and when I asked about it they said, well don't touch em you'll be fine. I said "EXACTLY!"
Building codes come about for the same reason. How often exactly does one stick their finger thru a live socket to see how deep it goes? And should we care if that person dies? I don't and if it's someone I know I'll be really sad but damn you really can't protect against stupid, ever...I know I've personally done some really stupid things, but I survived and it's MY fault not some machine manufacturers.
We the users/owner have to pay for this BS, It's just like most laws. They don't effect criminals much just us law abiding folk.
If I'm willing to take the risk then I should be able too. period....It's just like that stupid lawsuit for the NFL right now....gee we didn't know we could get a concussion from running into another persona at 20Mph that weighs upwards of 300+ pounds......sure you didn't, just wanted the money bad enough that the risks weren't that important.