That's really a good question. I too used to have the same doubt, but that was clarified as after cabinets is the perfect option for a long run.

it’s better to install the hardwood floors BEFORE the cabinets

I europe they install the cabinets before the hardwood floor. It is traditional to take the cabinets with you when you sell the house, since they are not fastened down. Id there is a disaster like a broken water pipe, or flood and the flooring needs to be removed or dried out, the cabinets are easily removed exposing the flooring. A lot of the flooring is not fastened down, too, so it can be removed easily.
Good luck if you have flooring fastened down under "permanently" installed cabinets and the flooring gets wet.
This may be covered by homeowners insurance, but will be a total removal. You always wanted to remodel, no?

It honestly depends on the situation - builder's schedule usually has me installing whenever is feasible, kitchens in or not. I've had sites where we've done both before and afterward based on the availability of materials at the time. As long you've taken steps to limit the problems (like making sure kick plates are far enough forward to hide expansion around the legs of the islands and cabinets) I actually prefer to put the wood in after the kitchens. Less chances of being cut short along the gables and minimizes the risk of the kitchen guys scratching the new floors.