It's utterly moronic, given how much Kia/Hyundai have caught up in terms of driving dynamics, interior quality, tech etc. Unless someone REALLY wants the driving/handling edge that most Ford's still offer over equivalent models from other manufacturers, I think it's really pushing your average punter toward other brands that these days do tick most of the boxes AND aren't stupidly tight/obtuse with the trim level specifications.
It's the kind of thing people expect from the so called 'big' German marques but Ford really need to get real a the prices they charge these days.