Like the OP says, it's being hidden form scrapers. Like you I don't see a reason for normal users to be concerned.
Why are you defending the ruination of one of the basic principles of hypertext?
Why are Google apologists flagging my other comments?
Google seems to be swimming in hypocrisy, as they develop and use scrapers.
PS: I do not understand why people keep using Google search, the results turned biased and mediocre.
Unless I want to see what the link is before clicking. Or copy the link.