Seems like an anti-anxiety solution to me. Anxiety is what keeps us from answering email right away, not being too busy. Knowing you won't put more than ten seconds into it, that it's boilerplate, makes it much easier.
"Dear Sir stroke Madam, I am writing to inform you of a fire that has broken out on the premises of 123 Carrendon Road--no, that's too formal. Dear Sir stroke Madam, FIRE! Exclamation mark..."
