Why on newer model cars are the stock head units so integrated into the dash?

I have an 04 4D accord EX. I would love to swap out to an after market head unit. But being that the stock one is incorporated into the dash I only have two options:

1. Fill out the storage pocket with a dash kit and leave the old HU in place and not use it.

I hate the idea of leaving a HU in place if you are going to do nothing with it, plus I really like have the storage pocket.

or

2. By a whole new dash panel to move the climate controls and enable a different HU to be installed.

Better option, but from what I gather these panels can affect the climate controls, plus I just don't like the look. They don't look like they are supposed to be there. I am a fan of a clean looking interior, where nothing looks like it has been tampered with.

It used to be the stock HU was just a din model that could easily be pulled out and replaced. Why are car makers now a days making it so difficult? Is it an aesthetic thing, or do they just not want you messing with it?

I am not an extreme audiophile by any means and I don't need to go thumping down the road with bass, but I am a professional musician so I appreciate quality sound with more highs and lows. I just wonder when audio upgrades are very popular thing to do why car makers make it so difficult to do them.

 

integrated head units are becoming much more common as car makers are integrating climate controls, navi, and other key features into the head unit. you can actually remove yours (with the unsightly kit), many new cars it is flat out impossible to remove it.

GM has been using their headunits and a Class II data bus to store a host of data into the head unit - look at this link for a description of everything GM is putting in head units now:
http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubbthre...e=1#Post311575

point being - the automakers have the same opinion as you do - they want a clean and integrated look. they just ignore the aftermarket crowd... to a point. now they have spawned a new market of OEM integration pieces that undo factory EQ, sum all of the outputs, and give you active processing. Your best bet is one of these pieces.

for an audiophile, you can actually tap the digital signal from the optical pickup to get a fiber optic output from the factory HU. then you can add other features and inputs with the processor.

integrated head units is something that affects my decision to buy a certain model car. i bought a 2001 EX because i didn't want the integration of the 2003+ models.