I think that's it right there.

I'm renting a Toyota Yaris while my bugeye Subie is repaired from that deer strike. It is one of those new cars with the binnacle centered on the dashboard. Functionally, it's unquestionably a step in the wrong direction IMHO. So why do it?

On each auto, is it much cheaper to put the binnacle in the center instead of in front of the driver, where it belongs? No.

But across an entire line of autos sold in different countries, some left hand drive and some right hand drive, it's probably cheaper to produce because it eliminates the need to manufacture, distribute and manage two dashboards, harnesses, and the like.

As far as what someone called the "endless debate about two versus three." I think it all comes down to cost. If you like hills and can make the conversion for a price you're willing to pay (or you're building from scratch), a triple is the best way to go. If you want lower gears for a lower cost and are willing to put up with the spacing and more shifting on the front chainrings on flat terrain, go for the double.