Yeah, it's really weird if you think about it, isn't it? But oh well, just as Tails' tails (mouthful? Where?), it's iconic for the character, right? <.<
I mean, it defines it's character design, like Knuckle's not-dreadlocks and pointy knuckles or Amy's.... uh....... Cream's big ears, I dunno, I give up, lol. Yeah, on second thought, I gotta agree with you, it IS odd xD.