Functionality varies with context, too; I have some rather primitive pins loaded with sinking lines for lakes and ponds, because on still waters a free-running reel is a pain; no flow to take up the odd inch or two of slack, so you're slightly nervy all the time, and that's a bit corrosive to fun.
As to the cars analogy, if you wanted to kill a youngster without being convicted of anything, buying them a Porsche 911 a month after they get their licence would be a fairly effective way to go about it, wouldn't it?
An Aerial or similar won't (often) prove fatal, but it can mean a lot of time spent untangling, which is few people's idea of fun.
BTW, if anyone is having trouble with over-free 'pins, just use thicker oil, or even grease to tame them - then wash out with lighter fluid and replace with slippier stuff as you progress. Once you're on light oil, remember to give the pin and bush a quick wipe and q-tipping and a fresh drop of oil after each trip.