My personal inclinations agree with yours, I think. I prefer as much detail as possible up front. Which is why I hate the vagueness of my dashboard's "check engine" light*. However, I bet automakers do that not just so the display is cheaper/simpler, but because most drivers are not interested in anything more detailed (or scary).
* Which for me has almost always just meant some oil change "timer" was up, not even that any meter detected my oil was wearing out.
* Which for me has almost always just meant some oil change "timer" was up, not even that any meter detected my oil was wearing out.