Certainly not red-eye reduction, Steve, the focus-assist light is used there.
Wait until you get into off-camera flash. I've seen a plot that shows no fewer than 14 pulses from an on-camera SB-800, and 3 from each off-camera unit. It's at
Nikonians, if you're interested. You'll probably have to register to see it.
As you say, it's best not to worry about these things.
Chris