Why doesn't Array class expose its indexer directly?

Question

something to mention for answering:

1. Don\'t worry about variance, while the item in question is Array rather than

Answer 1

From msdn:

The Array class is the base class for language implementations that support arrays. However, only the system and compilers can derive explicitly from the Array class. Users should employ the array constructs provided by the language.

If it provide you an indexer it contradicts with the original intention of Array class. You should use the compiler implementation.

Again from msdn:

Important: Starting with the .NET Framework 2.0, the Array class implements the System.Collections.Generic.IList, System.Collections.Generic.ICollection, and System.Collections.Generic.IEnumerable generic interfaces. The implementations are provided to arrays at run time, and therefore are not visible to the documentation build tools. As a result, the generic interfaces do not appear in the declaration syntax for the Array class, and there are no reference topics for interface members that are accessible only by casting an array to the generic interface type (explicit interface implementations). The key thing to be aware of when you cast an array to one of these interfaces is that members which add, insert, or remove elements throw NotSupportedException.

It is an afterthought, I presume.