@optronix gave some good options.
Given your requirements, I'd throw in the GR Corolla and Golf R into the mix unless the entire $70k budget must be spent.
I mainly play Assetto Corsa and Live for Speed. Setup works well for Forza if I want something more arcade-y.
Simagic Alpha Mini
Simagic GTS wheel
Moza HBP handbrake
Moza HGP shifter
Simagic P1000 pedals
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0
I believe I saw a video where PRL is in the process of getting some of their intake parts CARB-certified.
In reality, there are plenty of people that run parts that aren’t CARB-legal and just accept the risk that they may be state ref’d.
IMO it depends on your goals for the car and your risk...
Got the recall done along with the A1 maintenance. Took about 1.5 hours. I didn't notice any issues prior to getting the recall work done but I figure I'd knock it out with the scheduled maintenance and they had the recall parts in stock.
This reminds me of an episode of Bob's Burgers where Bob attends a convention with members of of a burger forum.
"Meanwhile at the hotel, Bob and Linda attend a mixer of the chefs; however, they realize who Bob is and begin to surround and harass him. It transpires that far from being friends...
I agree, I found it easier and more reasonable to just enjoy the car instead of being so hyper-critical about it. The mental bandwidth I've seen some people use on analyzing their purchases instead of actually using them blows my mind.
Unless something more happened in a professional capacity in the interaction between you and Phearable, I don't think this warrants the statement of "bad business and bad customer service."
But yeah, you got a good deal on a FlashPro but have to pay for a tune, still a net win.