Or if you use different language keyboard layout. I mostly use Czech layout and if I wanted to type numbers without a numpad, I would need to hold shift+number to type them, or change the layout. So for me it's more convenient to just use the numpad. Also I grew up with full sized keyboards so it's also a habit.
Your summary is pretty spot on and good description of this fractal in general. I would also add inconvenient placement of Singularity since it's behind your back when you spawn, but that's pretty minor comparing to the ones you mentioned.
I'm glad I didn't specify a genre, because you wouldn't suggest Descenders, and it's very different from the others mentioned so definitely seems interesting to me.
100% they are. Why wouldn't they?