irregardless, the handle went into the rotor, allegedly, and paralyzed someone.
The QR system has been flawed for decades. Tabs on the fork ends were one solution to a glaring problem. Curved levers are another. Most of the time everyone wants everything to work out all right. The customers, the manufacturers, the lawyers even. But imagine a family outing with the the bikes. You and your spouse with the kids. The bikes get unloaded, the wheels need to be installed, a moment of distraction leads to the nut that should have been tightened left alone, the QR lever left open, a bike leaning against a car is rolled onto the path and a there a ride starts well but ends badly.
These ARE predictable moments but even when predictable, like fingers between spokes, they are inherent dangers of the sport. A stick can fly into spokes and cause death. It CAN happen but risks abound and most athletes, and even casual riders, manage the risks well.
It seems that this particular problem may have roots in some former litigation and Trek is acting in its best interests. And, no doubt, the interests of their customers.