Let me try to answer this, since it depends on the defined taglibs
a) there is a taglib with prefix “c-rt”
"<%= ... %>"
is a runtime-attribute-value.
The quoting is required, to conform the JSP specification.
b) there is no taglib with prefix “c-rt”
<%= ... %>
is an expression, plain Java syntax is required.
There must be no quoting.
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Well, there is no reason, why the spec was made like this. But spec is spec.
NOP