Because while they're annoying as hell, they never really creeped me out much. Yes they're floating demon masks that chase Mario and co when they pick up a key, but they're pretty basic as far as visual style goes, and can actually be killed quite easily with a star or the key itself.
If you've forgotten, this is a Phanto:
[attachment=159:Smas_phanto.png]
And I admit I see how some people might be a tad creeped out by this background (I personally find it pretty cool):
[attachment=158
hantobg.png]
But is it really that scary as an enemy?
If you've forgotten, this is a Phanto:
[attachment=159:Smas_phanto.png]
And I admit I see how some people might be a tad creeped out by this background (I personally find it pretty cool):
[attachment=158

But is it really that scary as an enemy?