All of us who've been to the US on some sort of visa, especially for flight training, just 'love' filling out forms.
It's not just about making things easier for US govt agencies.
It's also about 'keeping an eye' on all the people wishing to go to the US on VWP.
Not going far (for me), Czech govt was criticised by EU officials of being too 'a
-crawling' to USA in terms of what information would be deemed acceptable (some of it doesn't even relate to the person travelling, but also his/her family) AND ALLOWING ARMED UNDERCOVER COPS ON FLIGHTS. I'm not expert on which countries/routes do allow US agents on their flights, but this is something country and airline do not have to allow and US wants.
I'd say Czech govt is good example of bending backwards, to put it mildly, allowing the radar base etc (prime target in case of hassle).
So EU says Czechs and other central/Eastern European countries that are not in VWP to USA, should all negotiate reasonable terms, not such subservient. Czech ministers say it's their own success, not sticking up somewhere to have some results. Well, politics and marketing..
As for why also UK or Irish passport holders etc (old VWP countries) have to do the ESTA soon, I'd say it's mainly about screening people, making even bigger database at CIA/NSA/FBI/whatever, probably charging in the future.
Not to mention that some analysts of international affairs remind us of the fact that some of the bad guys of '9/11' had German or other VWP passport. Plus, there's bunch of radicals in the UK. Yes, they can turn anyone on VWP or with visa back at the airport, but this silent wave of anti-US persons in 'Old Europe' is rising.
I especially 'like' the fact that after submitting the ESTA form, an individual will be advised/suggested not to travel as he/she would likely not be allowed.
Might save few quid someone who doesn't fit the image or has name similar or same as one of the 'wanted' guys.
I'd rather get proper tourist visa as it's possible to change status should I need it (ie M or F visa) and I won't have to fill out forms online so often.