I think it is to make the lift hill blend in with all the supports, and accentuate the rest of the track even more, to make the loop and cobra roll stand out more. Hence the silver supports and yellow track in contrast to the all-red lift hill.
i am very scares of scaremzes's and have never been at the front of a line for a scare maze. yes i work on the props, production and implmentation of them. why is this? i seriously cannot answer this myself?
Ron Toomer can't stand riding coasters due to motion sickness problems, but, for over 30 years, designed some of the worlds most recognizable rides, sounds very similar to your conundrum Gaz.