I appreciate the insights from your experience and kudos to you for pointing out the chink in my thought process. To a user, nothing matters but the final experience, not how it's made, eh?
With auto brake and lane keep, I'm curious how VW programmed their systems. Perhaps for lane keep, it measures the rate of change of the steering wheel, so when it's above a certain threshold, it doesn't provide the steering assist? As for the auto brake, I couldn't find much info regarding sensor methodology and testing for these. To me, most engineering problems are compromises for a purpose. I cannot confirm it, but perhaps VW chose to forego a bit of peripheral braking for the evasion scenario you mentioned?
Also curious about how the better OEMs handled auto dimming for dash illumination when it bounces back and forth, ie driving under a slatted bridge. It might be just interval threshold-based like I mentioned before. I can't think of another solution without it becoming complex.
For the remote start, how are other manufacturers' handling better? Sincerely curious. I only have experience with older aftermarket add-ons.
For the wireless AndroidAuto/Carplay. I agree that the hardware is already there. It even has the BT connection. I guess their infotainment software budget is quite restricted? It seems they can just modify off-the-shelf libraries for a BT hookup. As you know, they are a small manufacturer. I don't blame them for trying to move upmarket - higher margin/lower volume. As for the touchscreen... yeah, I think Mazda's current marketing position is quite arrogant (strategically?) about dictating what is right for the driver. Perhaps it's a marketing justification for cost reduction? I don't think it's testing inadequacy though.