But wait. Doesn't this make them both dumb? I'd expect a modern USB-C charger to still support basic 5v low current lazy devices too. If there's a USB-A to C cable that works, it must also still be possible to send the basic 5v down a C-C cable.
I also think there's always going to be a balance between how much a device needs to make and/or how much it needs fast charging to make sense to add the charging circuit for PD/PPS. Even $1-2 on top of the cost can ruin margins in the current electronic market.
Well, I'd expect that if they allowed 5v through but with a low current limit (I think the default 5v standard states quite a low current allowance). They could catch anything drawing too much and shut the port off until it detects disconnection/other reset.
I mean, if they're thinking about protecting a downstream device, adding this logic would make more sense than just not supplying any power unless a negotiation is made.
In any case, since standard USB ports on a computer will output 5v without anything being negotiated, then it's really no less safe than any other USB port in that regard.