I agree. Why it has to come on in the foot well setting is beyond me though?
In the early '90's I had a coworker that drove an MX3 and he couldn't figure out why his defroster worked like crap. I suggested he try it in conjunction with the AC. Problem solved.
There are a lot of people out there that don't realize how much AC, and it's dehumidifying properties can help in defrost mode so having it come on automatically with that setting is not a bad thing imo..

 

Regarding the automatic engagement of the A/C compressor when the defrost mode is selected, yes, I agree, the drying is greatly beneficial (down to a certain temperature, beyond which it does no good), and I have no problem with how modern HVAC systems work. My rant is exclusively target at the brain-trusts that decided to engage the A/C when the temperature **** is turned all of the way to the left (they're probably the same idiots that decided that those of us whom live south of the Canadian border don't need heated exterior mirrors).

 

You have a point on the Mirrors, and I live way south of the Mason Dixon line

 

I too live far south of the M-D line these days, and again I agree. Heated mirrors though not necessary, would be a nice feature. Though I'd love them to be independent of the rear defogger circuit.
What I have discovered is as much as I used (or wanted) a rear defogger when I lived in Pa I don't really need it here. I think I've used it less than 6 times, and most of those times were when we were in Pa (in November) with the car.