diff --git a/vl.c b/vl.c
index cc6246d2af..cd1fbc4cdc 100644
--- a/vl.c
+++ b/vl.c
@@ -2751,19 +2751,25 @@ static bool object_create_initial(const char *type, QemuOpts *opts)
         exit(0);
     }
 
+    /*
+     * Objects should not be made "delayed" without a reason.  If you
+     * add one, state the reason in a comment!
+     */
+
+    /* Reason: rng-egd property "chardev" */
     if (g_str_equal(type, "rng-egd")) {
         return false;
     }
 
 #if defined(CONFIG_VHOST_USER) && defined(CONFIG_LINUX)
+    /* Reason: cryptodev-vhost-user property "chardev" */
     if (g_str_equal(type, "cryptodev-vhost-user")) {
         return false;
     }
 #endif
 
     /*
-     * return false for concrete netfilters since
-     * they depend on netdevs already existing
+     * Reason: filter-* property "netdev" etc.
      */
     if (g_str_equal(type, "filter-buffer") ||
         g_str_equal(type, "filter-dump") ||