Been that way for over 60 years. “2X4” is a throwback to the days of square edge rough cut framing lumber from the local sawmill that wasn’t commercially kiln dried.
Thanks for the mention. I’ve never known the reason for the sizes on cuts of lumber.
Hey, you know what you’re getting up front. It’s no big deal. You determine your needs and make purchases accordingly.
At Subway you see the bun you’re sandwich will be made from. If you don’t like what you see, don’t buy it.
Actually, I tore dwn an old school house built in the 20s that had real Doug Fir 2X4s sanded smooth and kilin dried. Not all old timbers are the same.