They are not forcing you to do it 

 Especially if you got another routine to do it. But offering it in the same package, it creates more value for the program/subscription. I didn't get the video things in Lr also, but until i find out that for simple things (like bumping the exposure a little bit for a few short videos that i took with my phone or put a slight color grading) it's easier than open a dedicated app.
Coming to initial request....I don't think it's coming. You can compare the change log for PM for the last 10 builds and compare with just the latest of Lr.