Well, three caveats may apply:
1) The pictures may depict privately-owned collector pieces; don't know if the owners maintain to 'in-service' standards.
2) Even various departments may have differing maintenance standards.
3) This is an English rig; perhaps they view ladder maintenance differently. Come to think of it, we received a 60's model ELF fire engine with escape ladder from an English donation. I do not remember how long it had been out of service, but the ladders were rough, dry, and poorly maintained.
Who knows.
I just know most American Firefighters don't like splinters. {Besides, splinters are work comp.}