Every generation of scientists invent different symbols to describe the same sets of previous circumstances -that which is exclusive and most meaningful to the present educated generation. Every structured occupation does this.
Einstein's ideas are 100 plus years old. It is no wonder that scientists tend to look for the future of science if one assumes that science is a progression.
I view myself as an enthusiastic physics hobbyist. I feel privileged to be surrounded by like minded individuals whose interests in science cannot be easily found.
Yes, the two-way, one-clock, single location measure is convention. One-way anisotropic measure would require the unified coordination between the sender and receiver.