What's always struck me as a bit strange is that there is no cost difference for the 17" vs the 19" with handles. While it could be argued that there is not much cost difference for the 19" panel that is only 2" longer but still has to be machined and anodized, the beefy aluminum handles do cost, and the 17"-no-handle customer is paying for them anyway.
Since we're not talking about lightweight Class D amplifiers here, those handles sure would come in handy for moving them or jockeying them into position. If I were to buy the rack version and not rack mount them or have the mounting holes otherwise covered, I would install matching allen truss head bolts and nuts though, as the naked mounting holes makes them look unfinished.
Steve