More random questions about the handclap before the snap

I know there was either a diary or a message board entry weeks ago about the QB handclap prior to snapping the football, though I was unable to find it, so I apologize if this covers something that had been covered in there.

I know quite a few people were confused by it, but is there really any technical advantage to doing this (aside from maybe preventing a false start by providing a non-vocal cue)?  Just wondering, because I can think of at least a couple disadvantages:

 - Quite a bit more difficult to draw the defense offsides this way

 - Potentially cues any blitzing defenders, since there seems to be a short pause following the handclap

I may be making too much of this, but I was just curious if anyone else had any idea.