Speaker facade

Does anyone have some insight into why so many speaker manufacturers (even at the very hi-end), who dedicate so much care and craftsmanship in wrapping the sides and even rear of their speakers in stunning wood veneers and layers of high gloss clear coats, continue to clad the entire front of the speakers (the face most visible from the listening position) with a plain, black finish piece - whether it be metal or plastic or leather, etc.?