13, I think you have to look at the design decisions regarding KotOR and the Fallouts. Fallout was designed with the hardcore rpger in mind. To be in character with the game, you had to think like a survivalist. Make decisions on what to carry and what to barter away.
KotOR was designed to be a fun and cinematic rpg with an emphasis on adventure. BIO tried to do away with the tedium factor that is associated with more hardcore rpg's.
Apples and Oranges.