I think this is because I read some of what is referred to as YA, and the standards seem to be a bit different.
Actually, YA does have different requirements -- spaces between actual time and place shifts. The idea is that YA readers may be transitioning from books with pictures, and this eases the transition. (I got that from Jane Yolen.)
Personally, I appreciate the line break -- as you say, it's a comfortable place where I can decide whether or not to continue now, or at a later time. With the monstrous stress and time constraints people are working under today, I figure that anything I do to make readers comfortable (short of writing simpler -- I don't do simpler, I try to do clear and depth, and you can go as deep as you want or can -- ) is A Good Thing.
YA length vs. adult
Actually, YA does have different requirements -- spaces between actual time and place shifts. The idea is that YA readers may be transitioning from books with pictures, and this eases the transition. (I got that from Jane Yolen.)
Personally, I appreciate the line break -- as you say, it's a comfortable place where I can decide whether or not to continue now, or at a later time. With the monstrous stress and time constraints people are working under today, I figure that anything I do to make readers comfortable (short of writing simpler -- I don't do simpler, I try to do clear and depth, and you can go as deep as you want or can -- ) is A Good Thing.