DslBnz, I think you are right on all thee points ,I stuided Design at Columbus College Of Art and Design in Col.OH and later swicthed to Fine Arts but if my memory holds the design instructors always stressed "form follows function" .

It looks to me that somewhere along the line that major companies that were once leaders in that concept have fallen to the powers of look at me ain't I cool to sell their cars.I really don't want a car that massages my back while it talks to me even if it is a sexy voice............

William Rogers.........