That does sound annoying. By the way I haven't been able to find any photos of the Lariat trim with front bench seats (and work surface). Do you have any photos of the front seat area you could share? Also what it looks like from the rear (presumably the rear seats don't get air vents and charging ports?).
I've never had a bench seat before, and never sat in one on an f-150. Can three adults fit semi-comfortably in the front, as much as the back row?