[horde] Horde installation method: PEAR vs tarballs

[Alan]

I have been using Horde 3 and several modules for a long time, and now
want to try Horde 4.
I was surprised when I discovered that Horde 4 has to be installed via
PEAR instead of the usual tarballs.
May I know the rationale behind this? I find this very inconvenient.
Is this only temporary or a permanent thing?
I don't run pear, cpan, or other "smart" installation programs in my
systems, unless using some kind of sandbox.

Best regards,

Alan