Copy vs Move files

I've often wondered - why is it that
1] you have to hold the Cmd key down while dragging file(s) between external drives and the main hard drive?
2] you can only do this one file or folder at a time in Snow leopard?
3] and finally, why isn't there a Move File command anywhere in the various menus?
Any answers?

It has always been the case that dragging a file (not adding the Command key) from a place on a volume to another place on the same volume will move the file (nothing left behind); but dragging a file from one volume to another volume will copy the file to the new location.
One of the reasons for this is that a volume (volume = an unpartitioned drive or a partition of a partitioned drive) is treated as a unique container, but folders are a visual construct of the GUI.
Too, in time past additional volumes were usually used for backup purposes, where it was not desired that the original be removed when copied to another volume.
Adding the Command key to the drag operation to move (rather than simply copy) a file from one volume to another volume is relatively new to the Mac OS. It adds an operation, an additional instruction to the OS - the file is copied to the target volume, and the original is then deleted.
As far as a Move File command in the menus, that would get a bit complex. You'd probably need to engage the use of some sort of directory list assistance (like that in an Open or Save window) in order to complete the command, to tell the OS where to move the item. It's far simpler to just hold down the Command key and drag the item to the place you want on the recipient volume.
Remember that the OS is an idiot. It can not read your mind nor your intentions; it can only respond to specific instructions. When a file is dragged, you are, in effect, giving the OS a whole series of instructions via your dragging action(s). To give the same instructions via a menu choice would require giving step-by-step instructions to the OS, such as via directory services windows and clicking buttons.

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