Java does not have a full FP story, so to bastardize newer code as though it does becomes unreadable IMO. The "and" was just for the example, since "..." wouldn't have made it clear. I do not find it more readable personally, but that is a personal opinion. Because other code eagerly returns (doesn't usually bother me in an imperative language) is a different problem with code path complexity that can be addressed elsewhere. There is still a practicality in normal conditionals and traditional linear paths.