> at least the settings search bar still works as expected
It actually doesn't. One major difference in usability is that the search field has the focus on launch in System Preferences but not in System Settings.
In general, keyboard navigation in System Settings is a massive downgrade. This is what happens when you model desktop software after mobile.
> ⌘F puts the focus on the search bar. It is a step back in usability but I would hardly call it a major one.
The topic was the usability of the search bar specifically: "at least the settings search bar still works as expected"
I have to press ⌘F first almost every time I open System Settings, because I'm typically going for a setting that isn't readily in view, so I would reaffirm that it's a major difference in usability of the search field. And arguably of System Settings as a whole too, depending on how you use it; with System Preferences, every preference pane is readily accessible on the launch screen, unlike System Settings, where many panes are buried.
> One major difference in usability is that the search field has the focus on launch in System Preferences but not in System Settings.
It literally says that not having the search field with focus on launch is a major difference in usability. I still don't think it is, since it's a single 2-key chord away.
I have already agreed that otherwise it's much worse, I just don't see this particular feature loss on its own as a major one.
It actually doesn't. One major difference in usability is that the search field has the focus on launch in System Preferences but not in System Settings.
In general, keyboard navigation in System Settings is a massive downgrade. This is what happens when you model desktop software after mobile.