Or phrased another way, if local first software is so difficult why are we doing it at all when these devices worked BEFORE they had software.
The worst washing machine I've ever had is my current one, and it isn't even a "smart" appliance. It has just enough software to be worse than my one with dials for everything.
They have had software for decades. They were run by microcontrollers. The only difference is that it was an embedded system with no network capabilities.
And they switched from tactile controls to touch-sensitive buttons.
That's the oppression of the "sleek": touch-sensitive buttons are worse in every way except that they allow for "flatter" design.
At least we are seeing actual, tactile buttons start their return in cars!