What’s with all these washers?

Another question.....the hose connection at the base of the thermostat housing area is threaded. Is that actually removable or would it have done the old metal meld thing after all these years? Anyone ever thread one out?
My top connection looks like hell as well.

View attachment 1715373854

View attachment 1715373855

Yup they are threaded. Soak them down good with Sea Foam Deep Creep for a few days then try to get them out. They do look like hell.