I guess it's all a matter of point of view. The whole being in "awe of Tesla" thing has faded for me. I don't own stock and I am simply a customer.
Having dealt with Tesla Energy and now Tesla Automotive there seems to be an arrogance within the management. It's almost like, they treat me and others like we should be grateful we are allowed to buy their products. That we as customers should always accommodate their needs and adjust our lives accordingly.
I am forced to ignore my 9-5 work (which I need to make my monthly payments) in my efforts to make their end of Q1 delivery date. Phone calls, text messages, the repeated threats if we don't have this Information by Friday 3/25 we will release your VIN to the next customer. I am scheduled to pick up on 3/31 what's the fricking rush? The rush is Insurance... If I don't have what they want, when they want, they still need time to work with the next person to take delivery before EOD 3/31. This is 100% about them. I, the customer do not matter. There is always another one just behind me.
Here is one of several examples, I need to get them an IRS form for my business EIN. You must call the IRS and request a FAX of your EIN confirmation. I spent 6 hours yesterday trying to reach the IRS and finally did at 4:30pm. They said the fax could take 2-30 minutes to arrive. No fax came and they closed at 5pm. Now this morning I called 18 times and I am sitting on hold as I type this, So far on hold 1 hour 27 minutes. If I don't get Tesla this stupid form before 6pm today I lose my VIN.
Here's another, I had a discussion with a Tesla guy yesterday over my trade in. He wanted me to commit to their trade in offer and I told him he'd have to wait until I heard back from Carmax. I ran the Carmax info after work and since Tesla is only offering $21,100 and Carmax is at $26,600 I am going with Carmax. This morning the Tesla guy actually said, "if you planned on using Carmax why did you waist my time having me get you a quote? It's end of quarter, and this is slowing the process down". This sale is not about me the customer, or my having a positive buying experience, it's about one thing and one only, getting the car paid for by whomever and off the lot before EOD 3/31.
So yeah.... the being in awe of Tesla thing is long gone.
Is Elon a living legend, probably.
Is Tesla a better company with an engineer running it? Probably not. Notice how Gwynne Shotwell is president and chief operating officer of SpaceX.
Elon Runs engineering and she runs the company. Yeah he has input, even last say, but he lets her run things. Imagine if the Raptor engine was built and delivered like the Model X is? Let that sink in....
This car had better be the best thing I ever owned or my next one will be a Rivan or maybe I'll go back to Ford if they are ready with a BEV Ford Explorer. We'll see in 4 years or 50K miles.
I saved, pinched and scrapped in order to buy the Model X and the frustration and disappointment Tesla has brought me makes me kinda sad.