grant - 4:06 am on Sep 29, 2004 (gmt 0)

I think it exists because the barrier to entry on the Internet is SO low, that if sites could rank well right out of the gate, webmasters (particularly affiliate sites) would take a sawed off shotgun approach.

Those who are serious about developing a quality site with longevity will be willing to wait the sandbox effect out, others will not. Therefore, it asks as a filter.

That's my theory.