My guess is they wanted it to be resistant to Hurricanes. But we don't, or didn't have strict standards for hurricane force at the time this Condo was built. So if it is a matter of what could be built versus what needed to be built, then I would be fine? I read on some other post about how bad workmanship regardless of wiring method is equally dangerous. I tend to agree. That said, I've seen a lot of tinder boxes, and this ain't one of 'em. Granted, I'm cleaning up a lot of terrible work someone else did, but the place is solid concrete! And is a little metallic shield really going to stop a clumsy worker? I'd like to know exactly what Type the building is. I feel like a single individual with some relaxing candles that owns a condo in a building this size is WAY more of a liability than a little Romex, honestly.