I completely agree with you Nick.
There are in fact some signs of common sense in the auto industry... a couple of 'real' knobs has emerged in a French avant-garde model... I've read...

-99 4/4, 1.8 Zetec, Indigo Blue, 2-seat, Suplex RS
-04 Citroen Pluriel, 1.6 Sensodrive, Met Orange