Why am I being asked by the OS if I want to change my default browser to Safari?

I use Chrome as my default browser. After a recent update was applied (I am running El Capitan), exiting chrome using "Apple" Q, a system settings (gear icon) dialog box appeared with the following question: "Do you want to change your default browser to Safari or keep using Chrome". Buttons "Keep Chrome" and "Use Safari", presented at the bottom.

What action did I perform that would precipitate this question? Why would I have to answer this question once for every device and login that I use on my Macs? Is it really appropriate to market your products via a pop-up when a competing product is used (by the way, I use Safari from time to time but it is not my preferred browser nor is it preferred by my employers).

Is there a way to configure this out of the picture? Safari today, Itunes, ICloud, and so on tomorrow. I am using a Mac. I've paid a premium price to run UNIX on largely (not entirely) reliable hardware. I prefer to operate in the UNIX/LINUX vs. Windows environment. Does Apple need to "push the mulled wine" on it's clients? Like so many things software today, highly inappropriate, a conflict of interest, and personally annoying. Can you find a more appropriate venue for extolling the virtues of Safari? We know why IE is so popular ... perhaps an unfair comparison ... but Safari has barely 5% marketshare. Throwing a pop-up asking me if I want to change for no apparent reason is farcical.

Try searching for chrome versus Safari site:www.apple.com and see what you come up with? Now which button do you push? The light doesn't burn brightly for Safari.

I should add the following ... I called Apple Support. At the start of the support call, the agent asked, "Can you please confirm your phone number so I can reach you should we get disconnected". I applaud the process! While the support contact was researching my problem (on hold), my call was disconnected after about 5 minutes on hold. No call back! I did receive an email though ... Support provided me with a link to one of their Recommended Articles:

If your Mac won't turn on

Learn what to do if your Mac won't turn on.

Apologies for the distraction but it provides some needed some comic relief.