I'm with you. As someone said earlier, I think it's too late to try to change the direction of the class back to the original vision of a low-cost formula class, and would be unfair to those that have already invested in developing shifting technology (as well as other technologies). Might as well let FB be a real "formula" class (and maybe F600 could take over the original low-cost vision?).
Are you going to prohibit Dynamic DSSV dampers? Or some of the new Sachs dampers? You can spend substantially more on dampers than these shifting systems, and, used properly, they will result in more lap time improvement.
In that vein, why try to limit engine technology? I think you should allow the same engineering creativity in that area of the car as elsewhere, and as long as you require the stock internals you'll keep cost somewhat under control.
Honestly, the most advanced microprocessor-assisted shifting systems aren't going to provide a huge lap time improvement. Even fully automatic shifting, which has been proven faster than the best human drivers for at least a decade, isn't going to drop lap times a whole lot. Wait until someone does a proper aero design effort within the FB rules! That will be worth multiple seconds a lap at a place like Road America.
Of course, as long as they keep the prohibition against composites in structural applications in the FB rules, we'll be watching (with interest) from the sidelines, not participants, so I guess my opinion isn't worth much
.
Nathan