Len since you asked, here it is my opinion and mine only.
Yea, it is a safety device. One can always pull the safety card. I don't believe it is needed for safety anymore than the new F bodys needed 4 wheel discs. I recall seeing a post on here that was a real tear jerker. Probably made NHRAs lawyers change the disc brake rule right there. It was something about a racers daughter needing those disc brakes to keep her safe because of the disc/drum setup not being adequate. Of course, if safety was the only concern, the stock 4 wheel disc setup would have been just fine. Now I say that and I too have 4 wheel disc brakes on my 66 nova. I put them on since they were lighter and that makes me quicker. Don't paint everything in safety just to push the desired performance piece through. I bet the wusso/autoo shift is more about consistancy than safety if we really want to talk about it. I am waiting for someone to ask for remote control next.
Leaving for Indy. Good luck to all. Jim.