Using standard XLR jacks rather than the combo versions does seem a bit odd, given the F4 and F8n, their most recent pro recorders, both have the combo jacks.
I find it interesting that Sound Devices has the same odd choices. While the 6 and 7 series had regular XLR jacks only, as does the MixPre-3, the MixPre-6 and MixPre-10 both use combo jacks. The new Scorpio flagship recorder is back to using regular XLR.
It also may be worth noting that the switching version of the Neutrik XLR-1/4" combo jacks cost about double what a standard XLR jack does. Then again, my DR-70D has combo jacks, and is far cheaper than anything we're talking about here.