Michaelmas daisies are a bit different to asters in general, many of which are annuals.
The reason I can think of for lifting and dividing Michaelmas daisies every alternate year (not every year) would be that they have a tendency to get mildew if overcrowded. The best new bits will be found around the outside of the old plant. Most garden perennials need to be lifted and divided about every three years, but that is just 'best practice' and the things will survive perfectly well if you just divide them when you have time or if they start to look a bit peaky.