Appdata should be hidden normally to keep it safe from DUMB PEOPLE. Yes, YOU. The only time someone needs to get at their appdata is all the time with spring when you dl new maps or mods
corrected.
I do not think the whole "special folders" of windows are that great tbh. I prefer paths like "c:\bla\" over "c:\settings and documents\my documents\knorke\bla" or whatever it is.
Maybe if other people use the pc too its cool.
Also these folders are always on the same drive as windows. (Yes, can be changed
somewhere. Average user does not know.) Why should I keep "my music" on the same disk as the operation system? Or program settings?
The important thing is imo to keep OS, programs and files on seperate disks or at least partions.
For example if my windows should get broken i just format and reinstall it.
Programs and files stay.
With the user folders, everything would be lost.
And how should the dumb people back up their program settings if they do not know where they are stored or its hidden? That doesnt make sense.
For me, its more usefull when programs store their settings in text files. That are in the program folder next to the .exe
No left over broken configs after deleting/reinstalling the program or the OS. If every program saved settings that way, you would not even need to back up your appdata thing.
Also its easy to make a backup of your config or give it to someone else.