I understand everything you've said and I agree with mose of it but I guess like you say, it's just differing opinions. It would all come down to the mentality of the subscriber - If I could see my tyre wear and colour from the free mode I would not be paying for a subscription. It's as simple as that for me. Maybe for other people like yourself it might not be as black and white, but I do know other people who only pay for 2D because it is has a clear advantage. Each to their own I guess.
I just think they would lose too many subscribers if they gave you all the controls in free mode.