Nipples on a bull

[pjr]

After meticulously tuning a dilapidated upright piano in the back of a 
dark stage at a school, I reached down with my foot and found the 
sustain pedal was broken off and missing.  In order to avoid having this 
the best tuned piano in the landfill (and to get paid), I disconnected 
the middle pedal and gerryrigged it to act as the sustain pedal and all 
is well in the tuning world.  Which brings me to my question - does 
anyone know the history of why there is a useless middle pedal on 
inexpensive upright pianos?  Is it as the proverbial expression implies 
"Nipples on a bull"?(Apologies to the ladies)  How did it begin?  Is it 
just psychological?  Do they do this in Europe?

Phil Ryan
Miami Beach