There could be important data still on the device itself, I imagine the argument would be.
Seems to me how it should work is that the device's user defines a PIN number for his device. Should the device be lost, the user could provide the IT guys with that PIN number, which would be required for the "remote nuke" feature to be used.
That assumes the user is a willing participant in that matter and will give over the PIN.
Suppose the user is a remote employee who's just been sacked -- the boss and IT are hundreds of miles away and can't just take the phone from him. That phone has some product-related emails on it that, if they were to get out, would tank the company's stock price. They have to be able to wipe that data without waiting for the user to hand over the key.
Seems to me how it should work is that the device's user defines a PIN number for his device. Should the device be lost, the user could provide the IT guys with that PIN number, which would be required for the "remote nuke" feature to be used.