Mystery prongs on xAC

[Pilgrimsmaster]

Finally, found one of them…

Interestingly, the port looks like it was originally designed for a RJ45 plug…

xEM access controller question: shorts on board

Ok question for anyone on here with circuit experiance. So I opened up the access controller cause I was curious and it’s wonky in there. Solder shorts, bent leads, all look like they were done on purpose but I really want to know why. Any info is welcome. I’m guessing it’s cheaper to just short from one part to another instead of redesigning the board. But as a soldered the use of solder blobs instead of jumper wires or something really bothers me lol.[IMG_20200427_152527]