It turns out that the preference lives in category "browsing", as opposed to
say "windows".


-- I guess it could be either but it's also a browser function.  If there is already a usable browser on the desktop for whatever you're asking for, implementors, senders, hierarchy browser, package browser, MC browser, etc., it'll bring forth that browser rather than open yet another, using more memry, and that you'll just have to close someday.

Oh, if you search preferences for "Windows" it's right there..

I'm curious whether, when you say, "open..." | Transcript, and you get the same Transcript instead of a new one, does that annoy you too?