The start/stop button is not dead for new cars,

It's just that you don't have the button and can't turn it on or off. "THEY" will have the button.

It doesn't take seconds to restart, the restart cycle begins as soon as you let pressure off the brake.

Yep, my 2025 Ford Explorer weighs almost 5000lbs, has a 2.3L 4 cyl turbo and gets 60mph in 6 seconds. I do have a lead foot though so I get a fairly dismal 21MPG in mixed driving.

Starter motors do not usually last the life of a car.
This start/stop feature it is almost guaranteed that the car will die on the rod and not parked like a regular car.

I understand it restarts quickly, my 2021 Rubicon is equipped with one. My point is that in an emergency, time is measured in fractions of a second. for example, if a vehicle is about to rear end me or something is coming into the intersection, I may need to move immediately, even if the light is red. In situations like that milliseconds matter. I prefer the engine already running so there’s zero added delay.

I know I'm being pedantic, but you did say seconds, not milliseconds.

To your point, my wife's S Class does the same with a separate battery.

That said, it still doesn't address the momentary lack of oil pressure every time you lift your foot off the brake, and any excessive wear that may occur.

You’re right, milliseconds is more accurate but my point isn’t about the unit of time, it’s about the principle. In a sudden emergency even very small delays can matter. Whether it’s seconds or milliseconds doesn’t change the underlying concern.

Not to mention the instant pucker during that millisecond.

Yes but not for the reason you speculated. Most (I did not say all) younger people today don't have the knowledge of ICE physics and mechanics. This is mainly due to the serviceability of a 60's-70's engine versus 2010-20's engine. Heck, in my day (yeah I know) virtually every healthy male knew how to change a flat tire and check the oil. Many could do their own tune-ups (I will concede I don't miss adjusting points) or replace a battery. Now? You can't do much of anything without having spec manufacturer tools and/or software. Most cars don't even have a spare.

Physics & mechanics. The greatest amount of engine wear happens at startup. A motor not up to full operating temperature burns more fuel at startup. Greater stress on the battery and greater wear on starters.

No, it is friendly for the service dept at the stealership (known fact: the dealer make more in the service and parts depts than they do in the sales dept.
Also, Politicians: the blood sucking parasites poli (many) ticks (parasites) got their face on the 7 pm news to pat themselves on the back and tell everyone they are environmentally concerned... :rolleyes:

Ours is running before my foot is off the brake.

Fair point, the worst wear is cold starts. I’m sure a hot start isn’t nearly as bad as a cold tight engine with minimal lubrication. But I’m sure it’s not nothing either. It’s not like most cars have an electric oil pump to keep pressure up while sitting idle at a red light.

To Joe’s point a couple of posts prior, it’s not like dealerships and car companies care, especially post warranty.

Sport mode defeats the stop/start function in my SI
First thing I do after hitting the start button is move the flip switch to Sport mode.

Is that faster than an engine that’s already running?

The dealer service department doesn't mind warranty work (even though they make less money) because while you are there... wipers, oil change, belts, flush radiator, air filters, tires... are all heavy profit out of warranty items. There is a reason they give you a 'free' 18 point inspection.