@CalClassKen
An Expense transaction allows you to use a bank account, cc account, or other current asset account (OCA) as the payment account. In Desktop (and Online), a check can only be assigned to a bank account. Remember, the vast majority of QB users are not accountants. When Desktop was the only option 20 years ago, you paid for expenses with either a check or credit card. Now, you have many other payment options and a "check" or "credit card" is not really accurate anymore. If I pay with Venmo, ACH, or wire, IMO an Expense transaction makes more sense. A check or cc charge (your only two options in Desktop) really don't make sense. Yes, there is some overlap between a Check and Expense transaction, but there are differences and once you get used to them, it's easy to get used to having both options. I certainly wouldn't call it "accounting perversion" as it's still debits and credits, it's just the transaction type that's different.
