Yes - I would agree that most folks wouldn't connect a MIDI controller to the FI, and so would never encounter any issue.
In my case, I just wanted something to allow me to enter the channel number without embellishment - what a foolish notion!
I really didn't want another programmable unit to configure as I've just plain got too many of them in my life - just wanted something simple!
If I were to go for a programmable controller, I might consider a Keith McMillen SoftStep, as I already have a 12-Step and a QNexus; of course, now I have to confirm it does the 0-127/1-128 convention as required...