I can see when you first start using MFT that it can be a little intimidating, having driven a Dakota for the last 10 years this was a big learning curve. It has taken me a few days to get use to it. Because of the new tech with MyFord CR testers might not feel comfortable with it. As for the brakes and motor,I really don't know what the big problem is. The Dakota I had was a v-8 and the factory brakes on it were poor at best. The motor performance was way better then both the GM and Dodge crossovers. As I have a Sport Edge it goes like a scolded rabbit.
The only real peave I have had so far is the volumn on Nav is to low and I cannot find out how to increase it, and passenger seat does not go back as far as my wife would like.