If you read the explanation I do think that makes sense in that they are very clear that it is specifically the _math_ portion of the SAT/ACT where they see the value. And generally I agree with that, especially as a threshold (as opposed to a fine ranking).

It was similar when I applied to grad school (this was engineering). They told us pretty unequivocally that getting a perfect GRE math score was pretty much required, but that the verbal went right in the bin, so don't worry about it.

It makes sense for engineering focused schools or those applying to engineering schools. I'm still less convinced places like Harvard where a good chunk of the students won't take a ultra-difficult math class during their time there has much use in the SATs. At least in the "I got a 1580 on my SATs but someone with a 1570 got in over me, how is that fair?" Kind of way.