In theory I would agree with you Peter. In reality I have experienced two bugs instantly.
I drive up the A34, along the M4 and then up the A329M for 40 miles in the early rush hour each morning then return during the afternoon. If I use the adaptive system built into the ML it is on the brakes constantly. Even if I adjust the gap to minimum using the control it is big enough for two aggressive drivers to jump into it. The ML then brakes and more jump in. I become a nodding donkey in the rush hour. Again I see an issue with the automated/manual controlled period. Manual car will play skittles with the gaps.
If I am in slow -2nd gear traffic the ADCC is great but again it leaves a gap which some @@@@@ pushes straight into without a thought, indicator or thank you. This causes the car to break hard and the person behind to panic. I have stopped using it for fear of needing a supply of new rear bumpers given our poor driving in the UK.
When I look at the density of the cars with bad human habits vs the gaps the automated systems leave I wonder what the back pressure at junctions will look like at peak hours and how the total flow will work? Variable speed limits like the new M3 and future M4 might help but the back pressure on the joining junctions will be interesting?
The lane change capability will need consideration as well. I have watched the demo with "click indicator and watch as it does it all by itself". This will not work during rush hour as there will not be a gap. Once in the outside lane your ability to move over for a junction will need massive advance planning to get through the nose to tail middle lanes.
Again I see this becoming valuable once we are all on computer control and Zanussi appliance vehicles or where the roads are clear. In the meantime the Mk1 braincell/eyeball is needed to deal with the M4 rush hour. Or a pair of front mounted Anti-pillock rocket launchers.
Everyone loves a Morgan. Even me, unless it's broken again.
