I think ultimately the bypass mode DOES make the SawStop safer. If the bypass mode was not available, I would never have bought a SawStop. Instead, I might have ended up with a 1949 Unisaw. I suspect that alot of other SawStop owners might have made similar decisions if they could not cut wet wood or other conductive materials. Having the SawStop active and vigilent on 99% of all cuts is definitely safer than cutting them all on a 1949 Unisaw.
Any time safety devices adversely affect the capabilities or convenience of the device, they are more likely to be disabled and not used. When that happens, they provide no safety at all.
But also the bypass mode allows me to rip hot dogs all day long if I want to, as long as I am willing to accept the additional risk. And the splatter. And that funky smell in the dust collector...
Carl