The parts book is rather enigmatic in calling the item "END 3" part No 4GY-22177-00.
If they were to facilitate "quick" rear wheel removal then I don't think it would be "quick" since they are fastened by four screws!
I have always imagined them to be some safety device in case a careless mechanic hadn't tightened the axle sufficiently and a gung-ho rider accelerating away managed to loosen the rear wheel somewhat - the parts would prevent complete collapse of the back end, I presume.
The tabs are there to stop the rear axle dropping out, the bike is designed as a trail bike not an enduro bike, will remove them 1st time I remove the wheel & not refit. Will also replace the axle nut with a nylock nut & do away with the split pin.
My XR400R had the nylock & open swingarm, never had an issue