part of it is inherent bias. People paid $12k (or whatever they paid), and right there...its going to be bias. "I want this to work. I believe in it, so that I feel like I got my money's worth".
The reality is this: People are paying $12k to mainly beta test software in order to provide invaluable data back to Elon. Data he could never get just from test drivers on a test track or a handful of test drivers on public roads. I cant argue that he's not a genius because he convinced tens of thousands of people not just to beta test for him on public roads, but to also have those same persons accept 100% full responsibility (in case of an accident) for the testing, AND to pay him $12k. Not to get paid or do it for free But to PAY HIM FOR THE PRIVILEGE. Now THAT....is brilliant. (and kinda pimp like as well). I applaud him for that
How else do you think FSD is going to happen?
Here's what I'm hearing a lot of people saying:
1) AP and some elements of FSD should be free with all cars
2) For FSD L2 (Autosteer on City Streets + Navigate on Autopilot), Tesla should have done the Safety Score, and then invited people to beta test the software for free
2a) Some argue that all currently available FSD features should be free
2b) Some argue that even though it's totally free, beta testers should be compensated for their time
2c) Some think that Tesla should be liable for all damage during Beta drives
3) Once FSD (including Autosteer on City Streets) is out of beta and ready for release, remove it from everyone's car and charge a fee for L2
3a) Some argue even when it's out of beta and released, it still should be free
3b) Again, a few think Tesla should be fully liable for damages when AP/FSD are enabled
I can totally understand many of these viewpoints. But in life, many "luxury" items are not cheap. I wish airlines flights were cheap, but they're not. So, I have to decide what's important to me. Traveling by air for fun/vacation and paying a high price for that, or staying local and driving instead. Many people here could have purchased their Tesla without FSD and been happy, but they judged those features listed as valuable, and forked over money for the product. Everyone saw the list of features for $12K. If those features weren't worth $12K, then why did you buy it? And don't tell me the ENTIRE $12K decision you made was for Autosteer on City Streets, which has no release date anywhere on the website or in your ordering paperwork. Twitter does NOT count in your ordering process.
Tesla is a company, and like all companies, they want money. Their shareholders want money. They decided to offer FSD for a price to offset development costs, and the free-market ate it up. People keep paying for FSD. The market has spoken.
Now, will that change? Perhaps. If Tesla can't deliver on Autosteer on City Streets, or take the primary features out of beta in a timely manner, then the free-market will correct them. People will stop buying FSD, and perhaps stop buying Tesla vehicles all together. And the prices will drop, as the forces of supply and demand adjust the market.
Just as much as you claim bias from buyers, there is also the flip side - buyer's remorse.
You have a few options:
1) Seek legal action against Tesla to refund your FSD purchase in the United States - where we have limited consumer protection for these types of purchases.
2) Attempt to alter the free-market by persuading buyer to avoid buying FSD - writing articles, forum posts, word-of-mouth with your friends, or even reaching out to local media. This doesn't get your money back, but may lower the cost in the future, or prevent others from feeling as you do.
3) Contact regulatory agencies in an attempt to damage Tesla as a company, or force them to fix problems you find intolerable.
4) Try to work with Tesla and improve the product in the hopes that it will be better in time.
BTW - Do you think ANY of the other manufacturers would be coming out with L2-L5 vehicles if it wasn't for Tesla's disruption of the market? That's the free-market at work!