I wouldn't mind if every last bolt in the entire car interior was exposed if it meant that I could actually work on the thing without praying a plastic clip or plug won't break.
I have the Lariat on a train somewhere right now but whenever I look at that dash I feel like I am going to be saying to new riders "Well, it is HARD plastic but it's a new spin on it and don't forget, I am frugal AF so the price of this truck is reflective of both factors."