Yeah, when you say it cooks, you're not kidding. I mean, gravel just soaks up all that sun and turns into a frying pan. It makes the whole yard feel like an oven. Idk why people think it's a good idea here. Maybe it's just me, but walking on that stuff barefoot is a nightmare in July. And it doesn't even help with drainage that much if it's not set up right.

Actually, that step does get removed sometimes. Seen it happen. Places cut the final human check to save a few minutes, and that's when stuff slips through.