[rgoulter]

I think the biggest disadvantage to "do it in firmware" is it requires an external keyboard. (& the good ones which let your thumbs use more than one key are more expensive or diy).

Using the keyboard to drive the mouse isn't a nice experience. -- But, it's nice to have in situations like "I use a bluetooth mouse, on desktop, and bluetooth isn't set up/working". I've found that useful for live ISOs.