Hi,

You know, I haven’t given it enough thought, when you put it that way!

Just because it is hidden deep in a wire loom, out of sight, out of mind, it could become very lethal if a ground point should be acquired.
The overall cabin current load to the panel, coming on at the same time, is always possible too!

That wire is rated for what (? 12ga.) 20 amperes. Fan, main pumps, all the lights, two heaters for winter times (seat and defrost), magnetic AC coil for humid southern nights can make be right up there!
Repeated heating and the consequent degrading of any “biodegradable insulation,” on older cars can make one double think that!

It should have been common electrical practice to “fuse” any running length that is directly connected an “unlimited power source”.
Positive cable-Fusible links have been used on starter motors even though it’s an intermittent use device through a relay. Was or is that overkill?

Yep, you have a point!

Phil