You described basically…
You described basically exactly what I expect from a "base" trim level, not sure why you suggest to avoid if people want just that. For example people living in South, won't use half of the features described anyway. I have a 2014 XT and only used X-mode once, on the beach. The real reason I will not buy another Forester - any trim - is because they got away with the turbo engine. Forester is now just a regular underpowered mini-SUV.