You are not entirely accurate on your above thoughts.
Your st2 is not allowed on dedicated bike paths in California(legally), because of its class 3 bike designation.
Class 1(pedal assist up to 20mph) and class 2(throttle up to 20mph) bikes are both treated as regular bikes all the way around.
I have both st1 and st2. I bought st2 because I wanted to go faster, and I do. I also bought it ahead of laws written in California, so in worse case senario, I could "grandfather " it-ahead of existing laws(maybe).
Now, I have concluded bicycle class checking cops are not very likely. In Ventura, CA. there are not enough ebikes to even worry about policing me on the bike path.
A pedestrian pushing a baby would think a 12mph regular bike should not be allowed on path, and would really disapprove of an st1 rolling by at 12mph in boost mode, etc.etc…….
You won't find a bigger stormer "booster" than me, but I really do wish I could boost along at 20mph on st2 now and then, to take a break from pedaling. Even though I can boost at 20mph+ on st1, I still pedal it 98% of time. I mostly ride the st2, because I want the exercise and can usually maintain 25mph for quite a long time.
Stromer did not make it hard to "jail-break" code on st1 boost, and if they very concerned with it, they would have not made it possible.
I would love to increase boost speed on st2, so I would be able to take a break once in awhile without giving up my speed.
Keep in mind, we all want(ed) a way to commute, run errands, whatevers….. at a realistically fast clip- thats why we bought them in the first place.
California decided that anything that will help you above 20mph should not be on dedicated bike paths, and Stromer decided they will not allow their bikes over 12mph without pedaling…… Some would say 12mph should make it a motorcycle.
IMO, bike police with the ability to determine if you are riding a class 1,2, or 3 are not in the foreseeable future, and most of us will ride with common sense and self preservation determining how we ride- just like we drive.
Ebike action magazine editor pointed out something that never occurred to me- "If enough people start commuting, running errands, etc. Municipalities will likely make dedicated bike paths". Makes sense to me.