Gravy boat?

The photo accompanying today's featured restaurant reminded me of a conversation I had with my brother-in-law several years ago, as we ate mashed potatoes at a family meal.

As I poured gravy over my potatoes, he (somewhat jokingly) admonished me for not "indenting" or caving in the middle of the potato mound, in which to pour the gravy. I (somewhat jokingly) replied that I'm an adult, with no need to play with my food. Besides, the idea of a gravy (or butter) pool simply didn't appeal to me.

Is this a personal preference? A regional thing? I suspect it's a personal preference and nothing more...kind of like licking your fingers before turning a page in a book or magazine (yeech).