@Paradox yeah, i made my way out east for the first time earlier this year!
i think it's just down to trendyness to be honest.. i've seen that style in a couple of older installations out here, things seem to trend ever towards minimalism, even if it means a slightly worse user experience
i'd generally prefer split taps, more control that way
though, i will say that the single handled installs have gotten better in recent years, less of the snapping from all the way cold to all the way hot...