I do think Tesla should have offered a refund to all those who leased a vehicle for 3 years and never got what they paid for before the lease was up. Especially those with the Model 3 & Y that had no option to purchase at the end of the lease.
On the flip side, while yes, most of the features are simply party tricks to show off, your use of those party trick features are contributing to Tesla collecting data to EVENTUALLY be able to improve the system. I am happier to have had the ability to test it out and use it some than having to wait for a company like GM or Ford that will give you nothing in advance before its ready for prime time. Regardless of the fact that I hardly ever used it unless I was the only car on the road, as I didn't want to be rude to other drivers behind me, was still fun to experience something that no other car offers yet. I will say however, I am surprised that with the Beta program now being close to one year old, that the data hasn't led to far greater improvements. Minimally, from the time I first got the Beta download to the time I sold the car, there really wasn't that much improvement. Still scared the crap out of me trying to let it turn on city streets on its own or make left turns in front of oncoming traffic. But, "someday", it will improve and some day, well into the future, you'll be able to be a passenger in your own car!
But yes, if you don't care about all that stuff, EAP at half the price, is a good option. I owned the Tesla because I wanted all the cool stuff they offered and was annoyed if I didn't have something that was available, regardless if it was something I used very often. Never played video games in the car, but knowing I could was cool. Never watched movies either, but knowing I could was pretty cool. Never felt the need to have my car fart. OK, that one I could have done without!! Tesla as a car, still looks basically the same as it did 10 years ago. Was never among my most favorites in terms of looks/styling. But, that tech kept me in one for 8+ years. Always one that was ready for something new and exciting in about 3 years. 8 years (across multiple Tesla's) was a big statement for me, being that even my most favorite cars in the past, I never kept that long. Was cool as heck to be a part of it. Unfortunately, I also need a "user friendly" car as I work out of my car, rather than just use it to go to and from work. The changes and direction they went on the Model S, no longer were worth the sacrifice, for my personal needs out of a car. But, will never regret the 8 years I had the pleasure of being part of the new way cars are built and perceived.
