The point is that it downloads a multi-gig model automatically without providing an easy way to reclaim that storage space if you don't intend to use that feature.

This is very much an anti-user behavior. Certainly having models run on-device is preferred when possible, but if you don't want to use the Apple Intelligence this is an anti-feature. Especially on devices with small storage capacities which are impacted the most by this.

I don't use and don't want to use any feature that is listed there. I don't use Siri on my Macbook, I don't need writing tools run on every single thing I write, I hate text predictions, I don't want summaries on the content I want to read, I don't need models analyzing my photos in the background.

In fact I don't want models doing anything in the background that I didn't explicitly ask them to do.

Here are a few reasons someone would want that. You might not value them the same, but that does not make them wrong.

1) They have issues with the ways these models were trained. They may consider it unethical to use models trained on what they consider plagiarized material or on material that used a lot of energy for training.

2) They may have higher value uses of the storage space and compute resource.

3) They may view installation of apps and features without consent to be an infringement on running their device the way they would like.

4) They may find the general technology and its impact on society to be concerning, anxiety inducing, frustrating, or irritating. And simply not want to participate.

5) They think it sucks. Like, out just doesn't work or doesn't help them.

Because I don't like features being shoved down my throat. Simple as that.

I'd be much more willing to try the stuff if they gave me control over when I do so LIKE THEY DID IN THE VERSION LITERALLY PRIOR TO THIS ONE.

Apple did the same thing with watchOS by the way. They forced a stupid new quick actions menu that always pops up before getting to the all apps screen and removed the app switcher. if you want to terminate non-working apps that are prone to not working, like Apple Music, the solution now is "well, tough shit."

Because the Macbook Air still comes with only 512 GB of SSD in its default config. A feature that you rarely use probably isn't worth even 1/50th of your meager storage.

Even if you don't want to personally remove them, it should be easy and front and centre to do so.

It's my disk space, processing power and electricity. Apple shouldn't get to use it as they please

That's why: https://imgur.com/a/1vaUMi5

Let me juggle juggle with the small space I have the way I want.

I don't want AI, at all, and especially not on my operating system. I am leaving my Macbook Pro at version 26 and will not update to 27 until there is some kind of master off switch. If that is not provided by Apple by the time I am ready to replace my computer than I will be going the open source route.

I am personally tired of Apple and Microsoft fattening up operating systems.

Because Apple still sells 256 gb base models like the m6 Mac mini