The inline syntax is needed for hekaton tables because they're like table vars in that once created they cannot be changed. The fact that it works on normal tables as well is a bonus (probably would have been harder to develop it to only work on hekaton tables than all tables, since the create table syntax is very similar between the two)
Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability