i dont think they were trying to be cunning, it was mainly for file size or for optimization in the game, when they changed to the odol format not only were the tools to edit them not out, the game wasnt even out, so i dont think they had any ulterior motives
[edit: also the major vehicles in mlod format are: M113, T-72, Shilka, BMP, blackhawks, 5t trucks, ural, jeep and uaz)