Backup cameras are "necessary" on some new cars, because new cars in general have abyssal visibility.
Backup cams are pretty cheap now, and the main reason for the crap-assed rearview is improved aerodynamics that reduce operating cost via higher MPG. So... win some, lose some.
Agree that most of the other shite on these lists is utterly stupid, and I really wish it were easier to line-out such things on a new car. As is, these things are added in big trim packages that overall increase costs and add to their perception as the new normal/necessary features.
They're often bundled together, too. Want heated seats? Well, that requires the cold weather package with heated mirrors, heated windshield, heated wiper fluid, heavy duty battery, and $300 floormats! :P
This reminds me, several years ago I bought a new car (facepunch me later), and at the dealership they were going over all the extras it had; mud flaps, a rubber insert for the trunk, a cargo net, etc.
I told them "I don't want any of that."
They responded, "Well, we can't remove it."
Me: "Really, you can't remove a cargo net and mud flaps?"
Dealer: "Nope, it's part of the package."
Me: "Well, I'm not paying for it."
After they ran back and forth to their "manager" or whatever several times, they eventually gave in and didn't charge me for them (although let's be honest, I still probably paid for them in some way). There was also some kind of new lo-jack type system on it. I
absolutely insisted it be removed as I wasn't going to pay for that, and more importantly, don't want something on my car that can be used to track me. Once again, it was something they couldn't remove. I kind of understand that one as it's likely integrated into the electronic system. I didn't pay for it either, but it annoys me that it's still there.