FWIW, I really disliked that conceptually before I had my RAM. Now I love it because it gives me back so much center console space. I hate the idea of a center shifter now as it's such a waste of space.
Funnily enough, when I "build & price" a Ford I always choose the workstation option that allows you to fold down the shifter and open/expand the armrest into a table.
Adding in the center shifter is just one of many disappointments I have with that "GT" nonsense...