I did not write the software. These features are not optional.
It has been developed in the way that Greg originally specified 3 years ago.
It needs both the given functions to prevent the spam.

If it operated as you suggested, then all that would happen is the spambots would figure out how to post spam as replies rather than new posts. Both scenarios have to be covered.
If you have difficulty reading the 'code' then maybe you can adjust your monitor settings as I have no difficulty at all.