Genuine Yaris parts: a coat hanger?

[Exscotticus]

We purchased a 2009 Yaris liftback new direct from the dealership. We have manual locks. Just after the three-year warranty expired, the driver-side door lock button felt increasingly abnormal. The button did not seem to move all the way forward when locking. Eventually, there was no way to really lock the door--either from the inside or with a key. We called the dealership and I explained the situation and especially emphasized the part where we had manual locks. The mechanic suggested a linkage issue and quoted $150 for parts and $150 for labor. After my wife and I had a good laugh, we decided to investigate ourselves. Using this forum (thank you!) we were able to remove the door panels, etc., to see what was going on...



If you're wondering what that metal thing is that looks like a piece of coat hanger, well, it is in fact a piece of metal coat hanger...



We removed the coat hanger, reassembled, and the lock works perfectly.

My question to the forum is: wtf?

I suspect our car originally had power locks and that they were hastily removed by the dealership for the sale since we didn't opt for them. I suspect that's when this coat hanger made its way into the door.

My follow up question to the forum is: what purpose did the coat hanger serve?

Thanks in advance.

BTW, when the repairs were completed, my wife and I paid ourselves $150 (for the labor).