No more interlock spot AE and focus area in manual focus mode?

[robgillman]

For some reason, Fujifilm have decided to restrict the interlock spot AE and focus area option to the single and continuous focus modes. On my X-T20, and from what I understand almost every model prior to the X-T4, the reference point for spot metering could be adjusted using the focus area while in manual focus mode. Now, spot metering in manual focus mode is just centre-weighted, perhaps with a smaller area of reference (though I didn't notice any change when switching between the two).

If this was a conscious decision, I'm not sure I understand the rationale. Personally, being able to set my focus and then pick my spot metering point is incredibly useful for certain situations.

Does anyone have any thoughts or knowledge as to why this was changed? Do you agree that it's a useful feature? Do you think it could be reverted in a firmware update?