So Jeff cheaps out on a dishwasher and doesn't do research like reading the user manual before purchase and installation and is then surprised that basic features require an online service. Sure I wouldn't like it either but by his own description he could have done the research first or spent the other $400 (or bought some other alternative) and avoided this entirely. Writing an article whining about how the manufacturer 'should' do ${thing he would prefer} is a bit late when it's already purchased.
Half of the interface to the appliance is squirreled away on another device, that it doesn't come with. Is your expectation that everyone research every appliance before they buy anything?
The marketing material does not mention which modes are unavailable without the app.
Before a big purchase like a Bosch kitchen appliance? Yeah, I expect people to do their research. Those things are expensive. I know--I bought one a few months ago.
It's a fantastic dishwasher, by the way. Works far better than the KitchenAid we previously had and is practically silent. It's also not connected to the internet and I'm not missing out on anything because of that.
So somebody has to buy it before figuring it out, and then you have to both find and trust a random appliance reviewer over or instead of the manufacturer.
Just make some basic manufacturer requirements, like all modes are available with input on the device. Basic consumer protection.