Yeah, leaving leaf coverage is great for all kinds of larvae. Leaving them alone also slows weeds from growing and as the leaves break down they fertilize the soil.
The modern problem is that there are not enough critters roaming around to naturally step on foliage to break them down.
I’m pretty sure the design intent was to make your first level of defense learning mechanics and using the dodge roll. If you can do that consistently you can just pump damage and speed, which is what everyone wants to do anyway.