This reminds me of a lot of games in which you can swim while wearing plate armor. I never saw anyone say it ruined the game though. Like Ironcreed, I think it best to ignore little details like this if you don't like them. It'll hurt your experience with the game even more if all you do is think about it.

Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo
"Everything I encounter serves as the perfection of wisdom that leads to enlightenment."