whatz up with tape input/outputs?

Does anyone share this line of thought? Are there that many tape users that almost every preamp/intergrated...regardless of price...still has these functions? Can these inputs/outputs be used for anything else? I had a newer NAD intergrated that 2 sets of tape i/os!...and didnt have a phono section! Anyways...with the current trend toward simplicity and pure sound(at least at my price point)...I think eliminating these at the entry level might be beneficial,,,or am I out to lunch? talk to me audiogoners....happy holidays....