The reason is not to glorify "bit chasing"; a more fundamental issue is at stake here: Numerical subroutines should deliver results that satisfy simple, useful mathematical laws whenever possible. [...] Without any underlying symmetry properties, the job of proving interesting results becomes extremely unpleasant. The enjoyment of one's tools is an essential ingredient of successful work.

Vol. II, Seminumerical Algorithms, Section 4.2.2 part A, final paragraph [Italics in source] - The Art of Computer Programming (1968-2011)