Count me as one of their number, I do think it is a little weird. I have not figured out a reason why the added complexity of having two types of things that work like skills becomes important. Why separate them? I mean it is a minor issue that does not affect my like of the game but proficiency in a skill vs. a tool seems very much like a similar thing.
I also find it odd. That said the reasons I can find so far for the distinction is that tool proficiency is more easily acquired as is presented in the current basic rules ( for instance, you can gain tool proficiency by training in downtime, but you can't with skills), and 'flavor wise' tools are non class specific items ( aside from thieves tools which is pretty specific, though I guess opens the door for rangers or others who want to disable traps with some ability and not depend on a rogue).