It is a house rule and its pretty popular.
It potentially adds a layer of strategy where you should/could retain a +2 or +4 as a defensive measure.
Personally i like this house rule as it makes for more surprices in play when you can defend yourself against those cards.
It does make the game potentially longer and more unpredictable, so like all house rules its a matter of taste.
America. Trying to emulate every aspect of the game Monopoly.
I guess other chance cards are next since the "get of jail free" card is implemented....