Blame it on the bean counters- - - - -the geometry of a properly-designed spring balanced hinge requires a lot of sophisticated engineering, and manufacturing the assembly costs a lot more than making a simple pivot and a prop rod or using a straight-push strut to keep the hood open, sort of!
As a quick aside- - - -in the event of an under-hood fire, that center pin of a support strut can become a deadly projectile. My nephew who is an EMT training instructor has some pretty grisly photos of wounds suffered by first responders when a hood or rear hatch strut gets hot and explodes, shooting the center pin out like a crossbow bolt!
Jerry
