I have a comment about the vehicle settings - I might not be using this properly, but it seems "sub-optimal" to me...
First thing - I like to drive in Eco 90% of the time. Basically when I'm not towing. I would like a way to default the drive mode - I currently have to change the mode every time I start it up. Even remembering the last mode would be useful.
But, maybe there's a better way.
YES! This is exactly my frustration. Like you I normally want Eco mode for my day to day driving, but it must be selected on each engine start. Likewise, I tow a travel trailer, and am currently on an extended road trip. and as Meeker describes, it is like going through a preflight checklist on each engine start to clear all the reminder messages that the trailer is connected and to manually select Tow/Haul just like I have to always select Eco when not towing. I've also noticed that if the default trailer is enabled, but not connected, the dash defaults to the towing display.
There are apparently software settings that are unavailable to the user that sets the Navigator apart from the Expy as Artie mentioned. If the software is smart enough to recognize that a trailer is connected, it should be smart enough to preselect Tow/Haul, etc. I really like your suggestion to use macros to replicate the sequence of button presses.
The driver memory button panel could be used to allow those buttons to store 3 macros. The driver memory setup could be moved to the advanced settings on the dash display as these settings are normally used only once to assign seat/mirror/pedal/wheel positions to each fob.
And yes, as you also discovered, disabling the liftgate from the menu tree only disables the power operation. The liftgate still unlatches when the sensor detects motion such as hooking up the safety chains among all the other activities one might be doing near the rear bumper with fob in pocket. This was so annoying to me that I finally figured out how to disable the sensor without causing any undesired consequences.
If you crawl under the rear, you will find a cigarette pack sized box mounted in the bumper. it is located on the driver's side inside of the bumper housing just inboard of where the left frame rail ends. There is a plastic fastener that holds the cover closed over the interface box. Once open, you will see where the wiring harness plugs into it and also see an "antenna" that looks like a length of coax cable that is clipped to inside bottom of the plastic bumper cover. This antenna has a latch securing it to the interface box. Operate the latch to release the antenna from the box. I simply left the unplugged end inside the cover when I closed the cover and secured the fastener. Disconnecting the antenna, did not generate any messages. The power liftgate function still operates as normal from the fob, the button on the liftgate and the one up front.
I also try to leave the fob on the console when doing the hookup. This eliminates the horn honks when you hop out to lower the coupler on the ball. I always forget to do that when I'm doing an early morning escape from the campground and probably wake my neighbors.