Message Center Reader Role

For #1: All that information is readable by any user of your organization anyways using the Microsoft Graph, PowerShell, or many other methods. This is just simply surfacing it since the inherent permissions already exist. That being said, I do agree that surfacing it doesn't make too much sense in this context.
#2: I agree it's odd that there's no preferences for this role. That seems silly.

Make sure to hit the feedback button in the bottom right corner of the admin screen to make a note of your feedback (I just did as well). You can also share it on UserVoice at https://office365.uservoice.com/