Bashing is a little bit of a stretch!
There are people's needs that make the REx viable, whereas the BEV wouldn't be. But, there are a lot more people that buy the REx because they fear running out of fuel, and then, never use it. For someone whose driving needs make the REx 'necessary', it's a good car. In my case, I'll take the lower initial cost, the almost non-existent maintenance on the BEV (not that the REx requires a lot, but it's there - plugs, wires, oil, filter, muffler, cooling, etc.). I can do this because if I need to go further, it is usually MUCH further, and my other car is both more comfortable and able to carry more while doing it. The extra weight is noticeable. The BEV IS faster, and it does go further on a charge than the REx. The heat pump IS more efficient than heating in the REx, which also accounts for more range, or if you prefer, less of a range hit in the cold.
So, it's nice that BMW offers the option, but if you're running the REx (say after you tweak it, or those where theirs came without the US restriction), constantly refilling the fuel tank, you're getting a pretty paltry fuel economy compared with some of the vehicles in Europe, and with those, you can probably go 400-500 miles or possibly more before you have to stop to refuel. That can be huge on a longer trip. There are roads I've been on in western Texas where it is close to the range of the REx between refueling stations. Depending on the time of day, you might be out of luck and stuck. So, regardless of whether you can turn the REx on or not, it is NOT a substitute for an ICE everywhere.
I do not consider this a defect...it was designed as a viable commuter, city car with shorter range - add the REx if you forget to recharge, or to extend your day for an unexpected sidetrip. For me, it's just an extra cost, unneeded option...for some, it is the difference between viable or not. Just don't try to make it something it is not.