Also: if our snakes learn to relax & trust our handling during a shed, it may have positive carry-over when you have to take them to the vet, or medicate
them at home, for example. I guess it comes down to whether you enjoy having a pet that you can interact with on some level, or if you just enjoy keeping
wild animals in a cage at arms length? If you don't interact, how can you expect them to learn? Personally, I'd rather prevent bites.
Stress affects not only our immune systems but theirs too: if our snakes are living in unnatural conditions (in captivity!) with us lurking around (as possible
predators?), don't you think it might be better if we find ways to show them they are safe with us? I do, & I believe it pays off.
(I'm NOT saying that I intervene with every snake that's about to shed: I'm busy, so it doesn't happen often. I'm just answering the question of "why" we
might want to do this at all...just to be clear?)