Why is the $request argument in JsonResource->toArray() required if it is never used?

[audreyteles]

Hi everyone, today I came across a question:

The JsonResource method toArray has a required argument $request, but this variable isn’t used anywhere. So, it looks like an optional argument to me, not a required one... Because if you only need to transform your data from a model, you still have to pass a request to the method, even though it will never be used.

Does anyone here know why it is a required argument?

Below is a discussion that has already been opened and touches on a similar topic to my question, but in another category:
#54395