That is my thought as well. Much easier to hit the turn signal by mistake and/or leave it on in error. Getting caught by a totally surprise pass is one of the more dangerous things in lower run groups, and not a heck of a lot of fun in upper run groups.
Run with many different groups, can't think of one that does this. Really don't like it.
I think they are uniquely trying to fix something that ain't broken.
Just ran a great 2 day Watkins Glen event with Audi NEQ. (video hopefully coming soon) That's my quote above, and I was wrong. No surprise there I guess.
I was very, very skeptical going in to the event having to use turn signals for pass-by's. They said it is an Audi national rule and they want to comply after much discussion within the club. You point your signal in the direction you want the following car to pass you. i.e. If your line is to the left, you put on the right turn signal. If your car does not have signals then traditional point by's are used.
It took me all of one session to become completely used to it. Well not "completely". I did give one point by out of habit, but it never interfered at all.
I wound up liking it better than point by's, or at least as well. The downside is that I thought there is slightly more confusion with multiple cars passing a slow vehicle. They are supposed to leave the blinker on until all cars are passed, but even that really wasn't an issue.
As an aside, NEQ runs a great event and I would recommend anyone trying them out. First time at the Glen in many years. Still an amazing track.