Why does it need to ping?

It doesn't necessarily have to ping, but it helps make it more obvious a command was used with regards to a specific person. Some people don't seem to understand when a command is directed towards them. It's particularly difficult to deal with when there's several people asking for help at the same time.

If you'd like that it just replies without the ping that's an easy enough change.

Ah okay, can you provide me some examples I can look at? So I can see how It looks. Thanks

First is example of pinging when a user is of the "can be pinged" list, lower is if not. Hopefully this actually attaches.

Also is there a reason why we only ping the Patreon users only?

It won't ping hoisted users, however it is possible that a patron may need assistance and although they are hoisted, they aren't staff members, so I think it's fine to ping them.

Gotcha

I realize my previous picture might be a little unclear so here's a fantastic ms paint representation of where the replies are directed.