I thought the same way, however they could have easily had the first few rows of the new AR stand removable to allow for a bigger pitch.
Perhaps they didn't see it being a slam dunk getting awarded as a host venue and it was an opportunist way...
The Etihad was to be picked ahead of Old Trafford though despite being smaller with less corporate etc.
For the same reasons BMD would always have been picked ahead of the dated Anfield….
Because the last seats are, by a distance, the most expensive seats to build (which is a fact - no matter what you say) and we’d be getting next to no return if we did what you’re saying.
Who’s footing that bill?
Do yourself a favour - never...