It is such a normalized issue because it is a very useful safety feature that has been designed to highlight a more serious issue that must be resolved.
A pilot light is a very rudimentary device that is not just a course of ignition. It is a flame that is fed continually by a tiny bit of gas at all times.
This hole may be small, but it often needs better protection. Therefore, it is susceptible to dirt and debris entering the space and quickly causing a tiny pipe blockage.