The assumption that a heavier methodology with closer tracking and more artifacts are “safer” for a project than a lighter methodology wit fewer artifacts has developed over the years. This heavier-is-safer assumption is often caused by the fear project managers experience when they get to far away from the code. Since they no longer can determine the state of the project with their own eyes, they tend to introduce more reports, decision points, coordination, meetings etc…..as opposed to trusting people…
Alistair Cockburn discusses some constraints in methodologies that add more burden than safety in his book “Agile Software Development”. This book is good reading!