It would seem that a small update to the software could make it a lot better.Is is really a "poor system"?
It does tell you what gear you are in, if you "just need know"... and it does this without any switches contacts or wires. and that sounds like a cleaver solution to me. It provides those that want to know with an answer, and it keeps the machine SIMPLER for those that understand that less is more.
The complaint that there is no display with the clutch pulled in seems illogical to me, If the clutch is pulled in there is no need to know what gear you are in... it's all disconnected anyhow.
So if you are slowing down for a stop and you pull the clutch in, its safe to say your next shift should be down !
likewise if you are accelerating up to highway speed and you pull the clutch in, perhaps an upshift is in order !
Just my $.02