I think this done for the new “Export” feature to be easily implemented without too much complexity.
I dont think starting balance is needed all the time. Just during the start of business.
One way it could be handled is to have an Opening balance Wizard where opening balances could be entered in batch, and then that would create a journal entry having those starting balances.
TBH i like this new method, didnt have any issue with previous one but this one look clear and you got all your starting balances in one place.