They do this with every service/option they don't want you to use.
For example, if you enable delay e-mail send in gMail, you get a tiny pop-up to undo your message... I guess you just have to learn to always look at the top middle for Google's hidden/minimally displayed functions.
Every time I start Google Maps again - it starts with crippled version.
Update: I just noticed that after switching to Classic, Google Maps is asking me if I want to remember that choice permanently.
The question is not prominent enough though.