Thans for the history on Q. releases Rev.

I think the fact remains however that they are unnessasary for novices, and children especially. Sometimes a group of kids bundle all their bikes together and put a chain through all of them in all sorts of configurations. When they get them apart, it is very possible that a front quick release lever will catch on another bikes spoke and loosen the cam. They then mount and bomb down the local hills with abandon.

My son's lever was opened for some mysterious reason when he parked it downtown for a short duration. I suspect someone just opened it just to be mischievious. I caught it in time fortunately.

A local Honduran kid was coming down the local hill when the front wheel decided to go its own way. The result was that he lost 4 brand new adult top teeth.

I don't know whether the above would all pass your intelligence test, but I think it is irrelevant. They are using a technology that is far in advance of their needs and adds to the risk of their passtime. Before they have figured out how to fix a flat (most phone home to Dad to come and get them and bike), we expect them to emulate Tulio Campagnolo.