Assuming you are right on the concept of knots over shackles and other fittings on running rigging, a well made splice just looks better.

The majority of sailing enthuasts that post on this board drool over photos of beautiful sailing vessels. All the stainless, all the varnish, top of the line fittings & craftsmanship that cost $$$$$. If everyone used that concept their wouldn't be any photos to post. More importantly, sailing vessels that use knots & simple solutions to what could be an expensive upgrade or refit would be ridiculed by most on this board. They'd be posting photos of knots at the end of lines and home made solutions that could have been done by a professional at high cost instead of a boat owner with simple, practical low cost solutions. All for a laugh.

The Admiral did most of the splicing on 'TD'. When it was a difficult one we'd order a spliced line a professional did. Always liked my professionally made main halyard.

Looks are everything and this BB is always quick to point that out.