I see your point, Jason. But lets say spark would support these settings by default (or could be set as "always on" by the user in the first place) and you use the default otr encryption for all spark users only on your (internal or external) xmpp service - like only for your own "community". I think, only this would be a huge benefit.
A more broader view on this topic: people keep telling me, that the service "threema" is more user friendly and by default secure/encrypted due to the keypair that's beeing generated once you sign up for this service. And, if using spark and for instance my xmpp server, people have to "think of turning otr encryption on". So it's a hassle for them.
Maybe it's only a problem i have as an service operator with my users and in discussions about the xmpp protocol, but it the the default otr enryption of the spark client will help in two ways - spark as an instant messenger would become more "known and respectable" and the "old fashion xmpp server which are offering stone aged instant messaging services" would gain more noticeable to the common user (like the whatsapp generation).
So, all i want to say is, i'd still love to see this "feature" of spark :-)