The first part kinda confirms...that for safety, Tesla doesnt necessarily need you to have your hands on the wheel. They intentionally configure the software to allow you to simply adjust the radio volume using one finger to avoid the nags. Is there that much difference between no hands on the wheel (like other carmakers permit) when on AP, vs having a finger on the volume scroll wheel every 30 seconds?A couple things I haven't seen mentioned in this thread (but certainly have in others that are similar). If you have concerns about the torque threshold of clearing the warning without breaking Autosteer, then use the thumbwheels to turn volume (or TACC speed) up and then back down a tick. It's considered input (and hands on the wheel) just the same. I think most owners know about this at this point, but perhaps it could help a newbie.
Regarding a steering wheel weight, nobody mentioned such a device becoming a projectile in a steering wheel airbag deployment. Maybe the thought of that would deter someone who otherwise thinks they're a good idea.
Second part, good point. (although several designs show the actual weight being on the back of the steering wheel and nothing at all in front of the airbag).