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I too wish it would be more aesthetically pleasing or at least worked more into the design. But I think the philosophy the BEP (Beaureau of Engraving and Printing, not the US Mint) has is "the more the merrier." The idea being that while counterfeiters will eventually catch up with all the security measures, and the best counterfeiters can duplicate anything, the sheer number of security measures will stop most amateurs and slow down the best.

It's kinda like putting security on your car. An alarm is OK, but an alarm and wheel locks is better. And an alarm, wheel locks, and the club is even better than that. But an alarm, wheel locks, the club, an anti-theft radio, a kill switch, and one of those club-like devices that goes from your steering wheel to the floor behind the brake pedal is the best. Given enough time and cover, a good thief can break through them all, but because they're businessmen, in some sick way, they'd rather pick off the guys who have less security. Less riska nd a abetter opportunity for profit. The amateurs wouldn't even dare try it.