it might have been dB himself - i gather he thought highly of it as a vehicle for Lulu to ride into her new soul persona that only Bowie really wanted to happen.... seems reasonable he might have wanted it held back to give space for Lulu's version...but then again, it was released on the flip of Golden Years so...yeah
as for another outtake - i totally get why not, but i was always bummed he hadn't included John, I'm Only Dancing (Again) on YA - but this is what Bowie comps are for <3
but you are correct - god damn the yes men and hangers on and greasy industry execs
"In a moment of unparalleled genius, Noel Parachute headed off this potential disaster by unplugging the microphone."