TD52,
I use them since they were there in the first place. The Brits were not known for including things that were not needed, especially back in the "export or die" days Also, though they are torqued, the torque isn't all that great. Frankly, I imagine some of those thin serrated style (not star) washers would do just fine. On the other hand, it would certainly be easy to make a set of plates, and then you'd sleep easy on the matter.
Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon