[foobarbecue]

I think the optimal solution lies somewhere between my conservative argument and your disruptive one. Standards do become obsolete, and I agree that positive innovation often means leaving them behind.

But in the case of the shift lever -- I think it's great that I can hop in any car, and count on having obvious lever with the basic drive modes. In lots of cars, it's not big or between the seats; doesn't the Prius have it on the dash?