The little lever is there because every year, numerous people prove that removing the magazine and clearing the chamber before field stripping is entirely too complex. Taking "pull the trigger" out of the process for field stripping eliminates the possibility of bad things happening.
It also makes it crystal clear that if you do have an ND (negligent discharge) you didn't follow the manufacturers directions and thereby assume all liability. In some cases, you also violate agency/departmental training and/or regulations putting the idiot in question in more trouble.
Since inserting the magazine flips the widget up, there's really no big deal about it. After cleaning and with slide in battery, insert mag, charge chamber and place in the holster.
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