Not Ford, but we used to be able to take our RAV4 to the Toyota dealer for service anytime; they changed managers and now require an appointment, which is usually a week or more away. We don't find this as convenient as before.
Great detailed write up! My 2024 Ecoboost doesn't seem to have most of the issues you pointed out -- kinda makes me hesitant to look into a newer model. The only reason I'd think of changing is to get ACC and AWD.
In 1979 I bought a new Dodge 4x4. When talking to the salesman, he said the warranty covers most anything, just bring it in, they all need something fixed -- except the imported (I think D-50) they never have anything wrong. How times have changed.
My '75 Corvette has the battery behind the driver, no venting. I've been more concerned with an explosion than breathing vapor. Years ago, as my son started our Craftsman mower, the battery exploded, blowing the hood open and scattering the vent caps almost 15 feet away.
Got the truck back from the dealer today. This does not make a lot of sense to me, but this is what the service manager said: In the winter, hot air is only directed to the windshield and from the vents on each top end of the dash. He said (and this is the part that does not make much sense...