Actually, I think the signal engineers just might have done everyone a favor. I can't say for sure, since I am not aware of the arrangement at Akers.

If you are leaving a main track in signaled territory to another main, and the movement requires a substantial reduction in speed due to the safe allowable speed over a switch, then I think it is an approriate and welcome reminder to get a "converging clear" signal as a reminder of the speed restriction over the switch.

I just was down US 99 a few weeks ago to do some loomotive work. It looks like UP is getting ready to kill all the searchlight signals, and I noticed they we respacing (closer together?)many of the intermediates. With engineers often either working alone (Amtrak, commuter, conductor sleeping or a new hire) or having to be qualified on 500+ miles of territory, a little reminder (especially in the fog) is handy while you are trying to remember the permanent slow restrictions, watch for slow orders or Form Bs, what the last 100 pages of general orders were, listen what Gabby gus is saying on the radio, and wondering what snake in the grass is out to nail you. Oh wait - PTC will be your big brother and take care of that for you ...