I don't think the "smooth…
I don't think the "smooth-start" feature is going to much change the customer attitude toward the auto-stop/start feature. Yes, there are times when that feature is possibly desirable, such as when stuck in a traffic jam where you have very slow stop-and-go traffic. Otherwise, the fuel savings are so minimal as to be laughable, while at the same time you are adding to the wear and tear of the starter system and also degrading the battery (yes, only slightly).
This was the very first thing I changed on my 2024 Forester Wilderness. I purchased an aftermarket replacement auto-stop/start button, which causes the system to restart in the state it was in when the ignition was turned off. Since I normally drive with it "off", the engine normally starts up with it "off". If I want it on, I push the button and the auto-stop/start is engaged and works as advertised. If I left it engaged when I shut off the ignition, the vehicle restarts with the feature engaged.
There are several aftermarket fixes out there for the auto-stop/start, and I found the replacement switch to be best for me. Other fixes work pretty much the same way, but are installed differently. The cost of these fixes can run from around $25 to $100, but I have to say that the reduction in aggravation caused by the auto-stop/start is well worth the price.