Even if they DIDN'T use it then my point is they modeled all sorts of practically useless things that wont get used in combat for the A10, Atleast the PAVE Pod has a usecase(TGP Shot out but still want to use buddylase), i cant remember ever having to use the circuit breaker, the environmental control panel, the canopy disengage lever, the Encrypted radio or the Ground override/Zeroise switch, yet it all its animated in the cockpit ,and some of it even scripted, there are plenty of useless functions in the A10 Yet some are scripted anyways, when was the last time you used the Circuit breaker panel in combat(In DCS), the Master arm/Ground safety override or the Zeroise switch? my point is the PAVE Pod has an actual reason to be used, regardless if its used IRL. if DCS was modeled after the now then we would not have the P51/Spitfire/D9/K4 Or the upcoming F14, since None of them are in use anymore.
Edit - we also would not have the MiG 15, The MiG 21Bis, the Sabre, The F5E. Do you get it now? its a simulation of the aircraft at the time of creation, its not based in the now and if it was things would be alot different.
Edit2 - Final point - There is no reason NOT To have it, and the A10 seems incomplete without it.