Thanks for the human response, @NianticAtlas
In the case of these routes:
The distance between these nodes is so large, one could not possibly follow the route without these ‘directional signs’. In my opnion, the directional signs are clearly trail markers that define the route. If they were not in place, the route would actually become undefined as the nodes could then be visited using any road one would choose.
To give you an impression of the distance between nodes:
The red line is the trail from this case.
The signs (I maintain these are the factual trail markers) should be re-evaluated in my opinion.