You are missing my point - the fact that a person has to renew a visa doesn't change the fact that they are settling in the UK. I suspect very few countries in the world will usually give an immigrant an indefinite settlement visa straightaway.
And back to your point. Are you suggesting people should lie on their application form? As the ECO are not stupid and know that most people will either work (unless the British spouse is very well paid...) or have kids or even both. It is always better to tell the truth and so long as you don't suggest that you will be working before you are allowed to then there is no harm in mentioning it.