Your argument rests on the assumption that the serial comma is demonstrably preferable, that it is foolish not to use it in all cases. It is possible that the authors of this advice are better placed to asses whether their audience is comfortable with nuance and context. It is how Australians learn to read and write.
- Do not ever use the Oxford comma.
- BTW, in case you don't know what an Oxford comma is, here are all the reasons why the Oxford comma is great.
They do this in other places too.