Well, many years ago, guns were wood stocked, and all the parts were carbon steel. Clean it, dry it, and oil it is required for them.
The some guy invented a gun that wasn't - it was forged aluminum, with composite stocks. The only parts of steel exposed were the sights and barrels. They even came parkerized, which resists rust a lot. New owners were told they "didn't have to clean it."
The guys who grew up with firearms still knew they had to clean the action. The guys who had no clue did nothing. They took things too literally, because they didn't know better, and their supervisors didn't correct the mistake.
Point being, what kind of gun was being used? Because it makes a difference. Forged aluminum and composite furniture don't even need to be wiped down. Blued steel and open grain wood under the barrel and action need all the help they can get, that kind of construction and finish is why shiny new guns are sold every year - they are rust magnets that promote corrosion.
What's egregious is how many think they are better, and slave over the upkeep as if it's superior, when finishes that need literally zero upkeep are on the market and worth every penny.
Tradition is based on reasoning that is no longer valid. Like the daughter asking mom why see always cut the end of the roast off, it's not always obvious. Asking grandma and being told "because it would only fit the little roast pan I had" tends to clear things up.
I quit buying short roast pans and have little patience for tradition. It's why I bought a stainless 700 with composite stock. It never gets cleaned. I just run a patch down the bore after shooting.
