To be clear, I'm only asking about non-plug-in hybrids. These still get 100% of their energy from gas, but the drivetrain includes a battery and electric motor to supplement the ICE. While it includes the Prius, it includes a ton of cars (like the Camry hybrid) that don't stand out.

1. I'll accept the added complexity as a deterrent, but only a minor one. It's getting much harder for shade tree mechanics to do even basic repairs on anything new, regardless of drivetrain. To top it off, it's only a small percentage of people (at least in the US) that will ever do their own maintenance, or even consider it. The electric drivetrain components are a very small part of the picture.

2. Aside from branding and marketing, they aren't special. They're just cars that get much better mileage.

3. Granted. It seems that a good number of people are comforted by the sounds and feel, which explains why some brands are adding it to EVs. But it doesn't cover the vast majority of users, who are already getting an automatic and consider "quiet" a feature.

4/5. HEVs run entirely on gas. No infrastructure needed, and some could even be removed.

BTW, I upvoted for the honest and detailed response. It drives the conversation forward. While I disagree with some of your points, I better understand why the market exists. I just think it should be a much, much smaller market.