that's how many other car stereos do bass/treble/balance/fader and people expect it that way

Again, this is a stupid argument. People have a remarkably difficult time understanding mp3s at all. You think this is the thing that's going to throw them?

Have you ever accidentally changed them?

Yes, a couple of times. Very rare thing. Easy to see when I've done it, easy to correct.

Your control must be stiffer than mine. For quite a while, I consciously had to make sure not to press the button when changing the volume. Anyone else who tries to change the volume in my car invariably goes into one of the non-volume modes.

In addition, I don't remember where I set the fader and balance. Every time, I have to pull over to the side of the road and readjust the music around my head.

I think it's also likely that you're one of the few people that changes this stuff on a regular basis.