It is how it is, for manufacturability. An assembly line wants all parts of the car to go together instantaneously and without paying for manpower. Since neither of those are actually possible, they shoot for as close to that as possible. The flexible hose makes it quicker / easier to install. Probably as cheap as dirt too.
I would hazard that it is not an afterthought. But when it is out of sight, appearance goes out the window. And you sort of get a glimpse of the inner working of an engineer's mind. Sometimes it's not pretty. Badly engineered? Mmmmm, maybe "cheaply" engineered. But I appreciate the effort to keep the car inexpensive.
I think that effort may be worthy / valuable. I hope to hear back when you do this.