Why do tenkeyless layouts dominate over "nav-less" designs?

[spremino]

From a functionality point of view, a nav-less layout keeps all keys. The numpad can already act as a navigation block, but the navigation block cannot replace the numpad.

The only explanations that come to my mind are that TKL is easier to manufacture as a cut-down full-size board, or that many users simply prefer a dedicated navigation cluster. I am curious what other reasons people see, thank you.

[Findecanor]

Unfortunately, it is rare that programs support key combinations with modifier keys on the numpad.
So you can't always select text and/or jump to next/previous word or top/bottom of document using the numpad the same way as with the dedicated arrow keys.

I've learned that the space around the inverse-T cluster matters for people. it helps people locate it.
Even some 65% and 75% layout keyboards have space around the arrow keys for that reason.

The inverse-T to be superior ergonomically to the cross-layout. When you rest your fingers on the cluster, the middle finger — being longer — has its natural resting position in-between the Up and Down arrow keys, with equal distance to both.

I have become accustomed to having Home/End/PgUp/PgDn above the cursor keys. I use them all the time for editing text and code and wouldn't want to be without them.
I have a couple keyboards where the nav cluster above the cursor keys are 2×2 or 2×3, and the entire keyboard being one column less wide than a typical TKL, and I have had no problem going between that and a TKL.

There are lots of 65% and 75% keyboards that don't even include the full for nav keys, but instead have Ins and Del, or Del and PageUp, or PageUp/PageDown. Many even lack a Del key. I would never buy such a keyboard.