Larry,
You explained it well, and I'll go along with you on everything including you being anal.
I think it is a good system and saves engines and resources. If you putz around town and change oil by the odometer, you may not be changing oil often enough and shortening the life of the engine. By the same token if you do more freeway driving, you may be changing oil too often.We keep talking about reducing oil imports so just think of how many millions of gallons of oil are wasted by changing oil 1000 miles too early. We also have to look at the waste stream that is generated. I know the system is designed around synthetics for now, but that could be changed to include Dino.
On another note, I have no problem with a computer helping me not have to remember things. I find computers to be helpful in that respect so I have to disagree with most of you. If you really want to know what I consider an invasion of my intelligence, it is a control that makes me put my foot on the brake before I can shift out of park. I am also irritated by cars that decide when my doors should be locked or unlocked. Have you ever gotten into one of those cars that knocks the soda cup out of your hand with the seat belt shoulder strap when you turn the key? I think I should be able to decide when to put on the seat belt or even if I want to put it on.
Peter