Ballast Resistor Why?

I have read the 1966 FSM that I have and understand the Ballast Resistor changes the amount of current and this helps extends the contact life. I went thru some GM tune up training classes in the early 70's. They didn't have anything like it. I don't think Ford did either. Any real ideas why Mopar used them? Also why not just remove them, do a little rewiring and have one less thing to worry about and or go wrong?
Mike

66 model year
Plain and simple to reduce voltage to the coil / points so they don't fry the points.