Other than like the late model CX-90 and such has Mazda used hood struts on any other models in recent years? Or do you have to go back to early 90s 929? The ‘87 Maxima SE I had as a kid used a single strut for the hood.
I’ve never had an issue with side access concerns and I’ve swapped battery in mine before along with a full Motiv brake fluid flush. I can’t speak for other engine layouts though. IIRC the struts lift my hood higher than the prop rod so that might be a concern for some if they have a really low garage roof. Long term reliability would have to go to the prop rod though.