For a traditional cinema camera, I agree that a passive E mount makes total sense. For a video camera where the focus is "hacking" on it, I disagree, because it reduces the breadth of "hackable" bits of the thing. This gap goes back to my original "I don't know who this is actually for".
I would, however, contest that stabilization is just the job of the mount--optical stabilization relies on the lens, and it's pretty valuable to me. I've broadcast with both Panasonic's Power OIS lenses and non-OIS lenses and the difference is pretty stark. (And given that live broadcasts pretty often just use Panasonic GH's or BlackMagic's Pocket or Micro cameras, it's basically the same tech and thus something to consider.)
Further edit: 'bprater made a good point elsewhere in the thread: an active mount would allow for driving focus through software, too. I don't mean autofocus, but rather the ability to automate focus. For example, I wrote an application to control my video mixer to better be able to do a one-man show and my GH3/GH4 have decent mobile apps for one-man control. Being able to have the camera remember correct focus settings when I'm moving between standard spots in my studio would actually be a pretty useful thing to be able to trigger without getting behind the camera! Which, once more, goes back to "hey, so who is this SSH-capable, 'hackable' camera actually for?".
Overall, I think your point is well-made. The SSH capabilities are something like tone-deaf considering the market. But, I'll answer who the camera is supposed to be for.
It's for me, and other nofilmschool.com readers. But, I'm not going to buy it. I've awkwardly transitioned to using CGI as my medium, but if I were still using camera, I might be considering a purchase of one of these.
It's the latest in a chain of attempts at upending the big companies who lock features on the cameras and have single handledly held back indie film production by miles, for years.
None of these attempts really get off the ground. RED gave the sight of being a savior many years ago, but RED's plan all along was just to bit off the opportunity and ultimately side with the camera nazis.
As for the mount, I never even learned to use focus electronically controlled by the body, or zoom, or stabilization. I would have no use for any of them. Passive E-mount does everything I could conceive of needing.
When somebody who this camera is for wants to control focus wirelessly, they rent a Preston system or one of the newer ones like a Lenzhound.
I would, however, contest that stabilization is just the job of the mount--optical stabilization relies on the lens, and it's pretty valuable to me. I've broadcast with both Panasonic's Power OIS lenses and non-OIS lenses and the difference is pretty stark. (And given that live broadcasts pretty often just use Panasonic GH's or BlackMagic's Pocket or Micro cameras, it's basically the same tech and thus something to consider.)
Further edit: 'bprater made a good point elsewhere in the thread: an active mount would allow for driving focus through software, too. I don't mean autofocus, but rather the ability to automate focus. For example, I wrote an application to control my video mixer to better be able to do a one-man show and my GH3/GH4 have decent mobile apps for one-man control. Being able to have the camera remember correct focus settings when I'm moving between standard spots in my studio would actually be a pretty useful thing to be able to trigger without getting behind the camera! Which, once more, goes back to "hey, so who is this SSH-capable, 'hackable' camera actually for?".