Officers, often forget or are simply not aware of changes in requirements. We see requests for things from both USCIS and NVC, that are definitely not required, like signatures on I-130a forms from USCIS, or W2 forms to go with tax return transcripts. Still low reward, and high risk, in my opinion.
No longer supposed to be required, does not mean you won't face delays because of government employee mistakes. It is always my advice to make it as difficult as possible for the employee to screw up.