The closed-end design prevents the contacts from stubbing during cable insertion and acts as a polarization key, so the cable can only be loaded one way.
The Gold Plating Decision
A tin-plated version would cost less but wear faster under the same cycle count; the gold here buys field-reliability for the harness builder who cannot afford a contact-resistance drift after a few disconnects.
Termination and Orientation
IDC termination with 26 AWG wire — the insulation is displaced by the bifurcated contact beam as the cover is pressed down. No solder, no crimp tooling beyond the hand or pneumatic press.