Well, I'm just used to it. I almost never use applicator-ones. I do like them for "dry moments", but as I usually don't buy them, I just use the simple ones. I think most Germans do actually. I do know though, that most Americans (at least in my experience) use ones with applicators and a friend of mine in the US had problems when she needed do borrow one from me for swim training.
Humiliating experiences do tend to form strong opinions I think. Also people grow attached to their habits. (Also the reason why we LIKE products the way they've always been.)