Back access to 2009 Stingray

I was just noticing that for some reason, my 2009 Stingray HS has a black metal plate in the back which allows access to the preamp. Now, I understand the reason of having rear access if, for example, you have knobs that are directly attached to the body, but in this case, the 2009 has a banana plate in the front in which potentiometers seem to be installed. But removing the knobs and screws for this plate, does not allow removal of metal plate. Any knowledge about why would MusicMan do this on these years? Comparison with another 2001 Stingray shows what I talk about.

Musicman Photo by sanchorb | Photobucket