I know. I never said that it didn't.
But (again) I point out that using the window.open method has several downsides which the dom target method doesn't have.
You're free to use whichever method you want.
It's about understanding the pros and cons of each method and knowing which would be best for any given situation.
In my view, unless it's critical to customise window features and dimensions for the new window*, then window..open is a short-sighted option.
(* …which you shouldn't be doing if the link is 'external' and leads to someone else's site.)