Can't have Google Keyboard mic button on the 2nd row anymore?

A

AC Question

I'm using the Droid Razr Maxx right now and was looking at upgrading, but the newest Google Keyboard removed the option to add the mic input button to the 2nd row, so now it will either only appear where the comma would be (which is moved to the 2nd row) or won't appear at all. The option on my Razr is in Settings > Language & Input > Android Keyboard gear icon > Voice Input Key (tapping it brings up a menu have it show on the "symbols" keyboard). The new version

Very frustrating, especially considering I use the comma often and now it's easier to accidentally hit the mic button when meaning to type the character switch button or the space bar.

Any way to restore this? I'm on Android 4.1.2 on the Razr and every KitKat (4.4) phone I used had the 2nd row option removed.

Bonus question: Can someone explain how removing that option benefits anyone?!