That is correct; once Lame is installed 'on the operating system' it is available. However it is becoming harder and harder to accomplish this as Windows marches on.

Many times installing a third party app is a simpler solution than attempting to get the actual Lame download installed on the OS.

Your main point is valid though; as long as there is a windows mp3 codec installed BiaB and RB and PT can use it. But it has to be installed on the OS so windows sees it.

There are MediaPlayer hacks out there, and other codec packages that work, but keeping up with which is free and not a risk can become time consuming.

I bought the Fraunhofer codec and still have the install files, and also seem to be able to always find a way to get LAME installed, but for some users it isn't easy, and installing the codec in a round-about way (like by installing other software) is often easier. LAME is getting to the point where getting the actual LAME codec installed on the OS can be troublesome.

Some find using a (separate) third party app to make the conversion easier .. some find just installing said third party app makes the MP3 conversion possible in BiaB, RB and PT. Depends on the install method.

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome