That the NEC is a grammatical horror is no surprise. What do you expect from a bunch of engineers playing at being lawyers? Or, for that matter, silken tongued manufacturers' lobbyists attempting to 'tweak' the code to favor their products?
Yet, all of the matters you raise predate the AFCI silliness. If you're saying that the NEC crossed over into design work with the kitchen small appliance circuit requirements, you may be correct.
Remember that the separation of lighting circuits from convenience receptacle circuits is also a trade practice, and not a code requirement.
It is funny, though, the conventions we get used to. For example it is written nowhere that bedrooms and kitchens get ceiling lights, while the living room uses table lamps; yet, that is exactly how 90% of our homes are arranged.
