Exactly, I totally agree. It's what I've been saying all along. ABS doesn't just decide to brake for you. It simply detects wheel lock and backs off and modulates the brakes - either mechanically or electro-mechanically.
On the public road I much prefer that giving the typical driver some control of their "Truck of Peace" F350 in an emergency is better than letting them lock the brakes and skid into everyone.
This, plus the mention of cadence braking, brought back a memory....
Some years ago, I was travelling home in my old Ford Falcon one evening after it had been raining. The road was wet and slippery and on a slight downhill grade. I rounded a bend to find an accident at the point of minimum warning and hit the brakes. The wheels locked up, but I had the presence of mind to back off and re-apply the brakes a few times and realised I might
just pull up in time!
That was until the joker behind me slid into me, breaking traction and adding enough momentum to run into the car in front. Cost me a radiator and a bonnet, with the bumper just needing to be readjusted. Police turned up - but the guy who had run into the back of me had scampered.
I found my braking effort had a name - cadence braking - and while it was very effective, I have to say it is one of the most unintuitive actions I have ever tried as a driver. It required clear thinking in a stressful situation.
ABS does this - and I wholeheartedly support its use in motor vehicles.
Other things:
Intermittent wipers - especially ones with variable timing
Power windows - when you need to get air through the car
Radio - to make an entertaining noise
Air conditioning - essential in Australia