Your comments to my various posts very much align with my perspectives, I appreciate your feedback.
It really comes down to the individual, what elements they prefer and value over others.
The problem is you really have no idea what ownership of a Tesla is like until you get one, even then it takes months to appreciate the genius and flaws of this high-tech, high-priced, brilliant and safe, yet moderately premium vehicle.
For example, as an empty-nester with strong attachments to 3 medium dogs, my need for the "child-sized only" 3rd row seats is minimal, while the folding 2nd row seats are highly valued. In fact, in my opinion, any seat configuration really only seats 4 adults comfortable, since even those with a 3-seat 2nd row still only works for 2 adults. But the 5-seater allows for the addition of a much-missing arm-rest console, nice for 2 adults in the back.
Your mention of a "hot" rear-facing seats in an equipped S is significant news to me, so similar to the rear cargo in a 5-seater with the 2nd row seats up... but I predict there would be better airflow if at least one of those were folded.
Personally, while I agree the 6 and 7 seaters are "prettier" in the 2nd row, that is not so much an issue for me, plus I see under--seat storage under the 2nd row, not possible in the other configs.
So bottom line... personal preference.
For complicated reasons, I will be replacing my 2016 6-seater for another X, and I am 98% percent sure of my selections. While I could just walk away from Tesla, that is just not an option for me given my affection for 90% of everything.... it's just that quirky 10% of knowledge gained from ownership experience and concerns that keeps me from committing to all options before submitting final order.
For reasons of time, I just can't wait until the summer heat to determine if the A/C in the 5-seater will be effective in the open cargo space, so that decision, just like any potential new Tesla owner, requires a "leap of faith" that overall, satisfaction will be had one that large price is traded for a paradigm-shifting new vehicle.
I of course agree that the still unique mix of large battery and long-range enabling charging network is a decided advantage for Tesla. Their focus on those strategic elements has been admirable, while their competition has fiddled their fingers. I would also add one thing: Tesla's constant software updates are a great, unique tool. Too bad Tesla has wasted their time on unnecessary diversions like the falcon wings and monoposts, but no doubt, those strategic advantages still remain...
Indeed, that is one of the issues of this move: five seater is clearly the preferred choice of people with dogs. Yet they can not get trunk ventilation. Everyone knows how hot the Model S jumpseats can get and I guess that is quite comparable to the Model X five-seater... Tesla could have at least unbundled the third-row AC booster/ventilation from the seating configuration by making it included in the 6/7 seater and a price option for the five-seater, but no...
Personally, I prefer the practicality compromises of the six seater compared to the visual and functional downgrade of the five-seater. Model X is a beautiful car and the bench, as it stands and ships, just doesn't quite mesh with it all for me. But its capacity of course is very good. It is a rather big trade-off, no doubt, whichever way you go.