woodchuck – we are not all trim-carpenter, and no- we dont all have ~$600 for a good mitersaw that will crosscut 12” wide boards – but with a crosscut sled, or a good miter gauge – that is something that is very easy to do on the table saw.
I find the table saw a very versatile machine when setup properly with accessories – something that a mitersaw just isn’t and will never be.
I do agree with you however that this cut seems to be unsafe and somewhat dangerous- I’d opt to do the same cut differently, having my hands further from the blade, with a splitter of some sort at least – best way to do it , esp. if you have the same angle cut over and over again – would be with a sled, setup for repetitive cuts at a specific angle. safest way to go.
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
