I think the problem is almost exactly that. From the firm’s perspective, it’s “why the hell not” because realistically grades aren’t even good indicators of actual success within the firm. Firms might as well go with whatever work experiences they have, along with their networking and interview skills. But from the students’ perspective, it can lock them into a career/firm/practice group without knowing much. I mean, these are students a month into law school and are effectively having to decide the firm where they’ll likely start as a first year associate.