They didn't have to - they wanted to, so why not? The defaults are still available, if you prefer... I can't see an issue with it.

It's pointless

Also, it kind off kills the retro feel the game has, back in the day there wasn't an extra menu to choose your gender

I guess it is pointless, but only in the sense that changeable character skins in games have always been pointless - i.e in terms of function. In another sense, I think the gender swap options are far more worthwhile than that to a lot of people. Anyhow, agree to disagree, i guess? Thanks for keeping it civil!

It mixes up the look of the characters some which can be kinda nice if you are trying to get all feats/achievements. And if you don't like body swap mode, don't use it then, ok?