OEM running boards bracket sandwiching floor rubber plugs. Why would they do that?

So today I was installing my oem running boards on my 2021. Each side has 4 brackets but the front 2 brackets are right where the oem rubber plugs are located. I found it stupid Toyota would position them there.

My OCD got to me with this. I was worried about future leaking (salt entering etc). What I did was remove plug added some Permatex sealant inside plug then pop plug back afterwards added a little sealant to outside and then added bracket.

Was this a 2021 change or are your trucks the same way in other years?

(Random internet pic of the plug)

 

Can you share some pictures of your step brackets I like to see if they all have this problem

 

Wow.