I don't think of this process as "we've always done it this way" but as "know what you're managing". For ANY immortal, understanding how areas are put together is important to understanding how the game works. Even if you worked on another MUD at some point, understanding how our system works is critical. You can get to know how mechanics work from playing the game, but I would want you to know how the game structures data before you're dealing with players praying about bugs, or creating quest mobs, or designing your temple.

I get that some people will take to the process more readily than others. That doesn't mean it's a meaningless exercise.