I completely agree with you on the need for a common front, it's something that still exists, but that has changed a lot, especially in the digital age it seems to me, but it must have been reassuring to know that you could count on your geographical neighbors...!
What's interesting about this type of aesthetic rule is really what you make of it, and what's special about religious buildings is the divine point of view that's put into the thing, in this case this abbey... whereas for some people, it's just a rule of proportion and not a spiritual path above all !
I wish you to have a good and pleasant day !
