Looks like we're all having a really slow day at the office
The "tunnel" is all about practicality and speed.
Toad-O-Line said:
Seriously though, that opening serves no purpose:
Yes, it does. It's a hell of a lot easier to get it out through an opening designed for that purpose rather than under the leg elastic or over the top elastic. There's much less likelihood of spraying everywhere.
If you are really dying for a piss you'll never get it out in time
Saving two or three seconds makes a big difference in an emergency!
It can be uncomfortable if it slips through the opening & rubs up against a cold zipper
Never happens, at least with briefs. Maybe with woven boxers with no button in the fly.
The bottom of the opening will collect lint
Only if you wear them for several weeks at a time. Try changing yours more often.
It must increase the cost of the underwear due to excess material and sewing
Maybe, but most briefs without openings sell for more than those with them.
I'm always amused when I go to the can in a place where there is a wall of urinals in use. There's always some guy struggling to get it out because he has to undo his belt and drop his pants part way to free Mr. Happy. Hell, I often see some guys' asses exposed to the world while they're standing there, and it's not a pretty sight!
I'll take briefs with a "tunnel" any day!