Whether intentional or not, there is an obvious benefit to the website operator in forcing users to expose themselves to images and Javascript by requiring the use of particular software. e.g., a popular graphical browser from a company providing advertising services (Google, Apple, etc.) or partnering with one (Mozilla):

It makes (a) visual advertising and (b) tracking viable

I read the www text-only, no auto-loading of resources (images, etc.), and I see no ads