....but it really isn't complicated, people just make it that way. For decades many states gave out DL's like candy. That is what prompted the Real ID standard, the government said lets make sure people are who they say they are and required identity documentation. That is all it is.
EDL's are a niche that fills the same role as a federal passport card. When entry to our neighboring countries by DL went away it created a need for those in border areas who commonly cross. The EDL/Passport card replaced it, it carries all the same citizenship and identity verification but is easily carried in a wallet.