According to RFC 2181 https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2181#section-10.3
10.3. MX and NS records
The domain name used as the value of a NS resource record, or part of the value of a MX resource record must not be an alias. Not only is the specification clear on this point, but using an alias in either of these positions neither works as well as might be hoped, nor well fulfills the ambition that may have led to this approach. This domain name must have as its value one or more address records. Currently those will be A records, however in the future other record types giving addressing information may be acceptable. It can also have other RRs, but never a CNAME RR.
Why is this restriction in place?
I assume due to resolving overhead but is it really that costly nowadays?
From experience with an incorrect MX record that used a CNAME exchange no problems were experienced during the course of a couple years except for a couple mail relays that couldn't find the MX exchange.
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