Since the FE-C update was released in 2015, I really can't see any reason why Tacx shouldn't be installing this at the factory. Why did I have to do this on a fresh out of the box Bushido today?

IMHO, the (android) app is the most unfriendly app I've ever used, especially since my Bushido is basically DOA. It paired and updated, but I'm getting no speed/rpm/power data pedaling or not.

I was also able to pair the unit with Zwift, but again, no speed/rpm/power data.

I've subsequently read that Tacx has poor quality with these "smart" trainers, now I'm living the dream for myself...

I read as much as I could on Tacx before I made the purchase. The general consensus is their support sucks. Most people who get the Vector or Bushido seem to be generally happy. I found the Vector online for, at the time, $280.00 so I was willing to gamble. It could blow up tomorrow but so far I have been pleased. If you continue to have trouble with the Bushido in the next few days I would send it back. Exchange it or get another model.
Although I had no trouble upgrading the firmware with the Android app, I agree about the upgrade. They should be doing it at the factory. The app does flake out occasionally when I am recalibrating the Vector. My next trainer purchase will either be the Tacx Neo or the Wahoo Kickr.

I agree that per DCR's recommendation, the smart money is on the Vortex, but I wanted and needed the option to simulate the 15% hills, which we seem to tackle all the time on local outdoor rides.

Accordingly, I went for the Bushido, but it appears I've received a DOA unit from an online vendor. The lack of useful documentation and diagnostics help in the "utility" app has been very frustrating. I'm trying to get it resolved via Tacx support.

I finally bought Tacx Ironman for more than one month . It is, in fact, a Tacx Genius smart, plus Tacx - TTS4 application for PC (expensive application) and a DVD with a 180 minutes road route.

The hardware (Genius / Ironman) is ok. The brake is solid and strong - I can hardly deal with maximum 10% of its slope and it looks to have a maximum of 15-20%. I use 15-20% rarely for programmed workouts, to simulate fast brake before "U turns" in circuit simulations (using bike brake would damage the unit). I have no legs to use its brake above 10%. Free wheeling and descents are very good features and are nicely simulated (the brake is a motor as well when needed for simulating descents) - it makes the indoor training to appear more realistic. So far, it looks a good choice.

But I'm not impressed by the software (TTS4). I use it only for workouts and it still crashes my Windows computer with an ugly blue screen. It can be used with Tacx films (routes) as well, they have good resolution, but they are too expensive for me. As about using with Live Google maps or Google earth - forget about those, they simply do not work.
Maybe the free version of TTS PC app is enough. If so, you can go for Genius instead of Ironman - there is a substantial save on dropping the TTS4 pro and, as I said, Ironman trainer is exactly a Genius, nothing more or less (except for the colour of the stand).

Another stupid issue: you can use ANT+ HR monitor with TTS4 - expensive PC application, but you can not use it with the free Tacx for Android application - here you beed a Bluetooth HR monitor (???!).

However, Ironman (= Genius) is well controlled by Zwift, if you set the power to 100% in Zwift (you must search for the button in Zwift during ride break). Bkool app also fully controls it technically, but it applies some 15-20% lower brake than it should do. They finally accepted the existence of this issue and promised they will fix it (maybe they did? I did not check).

Hope this experience will help.