[MrFlippant]

Less joins means less power loss, which is good for customers.
The length is exactly that of a full straight and elevated crossover piece, making those bridges not only easy due to less pieces, but also because of the correct geometry for it.
I agree that it's a hassle to store, though. I ended up giving the ones I had away as a gift along with the rest of the needed parts to have a complete slot car race set.