The electronic parking brake might be less complicated once you consider the logistics of running the steel cable through the car of the old ones.
It occurs to me that we don't really want "dumb cars" as much as we want a simple user interface. We want the energy efficiency (mileage) that comes with variable valve timing and fuel injection. We want the high tech that allows 100K miles without a tuneup. We want the spark plugs that last don't need to be replaced every 5K to 10K miles. But I want simple controls that are clearly labeled. I'd really love a standard location and operation of all controls regardless of brand and model. I should not have to educate the valet before turning my car over to the kid at the restaurant. And most important, is that I should not have to fiddle with a bunch of possible switches when dealing with safety oriented functions. Every car should have the windshield wiper controls in the same place and they should operate the same across the entire spectrum of manufacturers. OK. Rant off.
Buttons can be good, but often still be a pain: say a row of identical buttons, all with different functions. Or a button you have to push multiple times, while watching a tiny LCD display cycle through the various functions it controls. Then you're still taking your eyes off the road for an inordinate amount of time. Dials with tactile detents (you can feel), and sliders, at least for crucial heat/vent controls, more better. I like the idea, that intuitive, tactile controls are mandatory in airplanes. But hey: hurtling down the freeway, no problem???
