For some reason, you've attempted to turn the OP's thread into a thread about you, or trying to prove that I'm wrong.
As I've pointed out, I've only done a couple inspections via the white courtesy phone, and in doing so, we've discovered a few damaged parts, and a frozen, failing to pass the safety inspection function test of the SMC, so it was suggested that these damaged parts, and SMC be replaced to remove them from the possible cause of the issues.
For some reason you've decided to focus on just one thing, that you don't understand, and are failing to look at the big picture, that other things still may be found upon further inspections.
Once I get the bike in the garage, and can inspect it myself, we may find the cause, or causes of the problems, until then, why are you putting so much energy into trying to impose your point of view on the cause, or proving I don't know what I'm doing?
I'm no longer going to debate any of this with you, and focus my time and efforts on helping the OP.
As far as your last comment:
"First is that I didn't try to address the issue"....my point exactly, you ignored an issue and kept riding the bike without finding the cause.
"Dealers never came up with a lasting solution"....does this really surprise you? Most dealerships have no idea how to work or service these bikes
I've replaced two or three of these units, and none ever had issues after that, and yes, if the unit is defective, replace it.
The GL1800 and the GL1500 have always had issues with empty or low preload adjusters, headlight aiming units, cruise control lights, and various other issues. I seriously doubt that Honda designed their units to purposely be left out of the loop for 20 seconds, to conceal the hunting, or defective unit. This sounds like your just repeating comments from Youtube, fourms, or the great book of face.
And your last comment makes ABSOLUTELY no sense to me...."assuming that Honda's design would allow a failed beam adjusting system to strand a biker"?
Just like their ground wire fails? Headlight bulb shorts? Fuel pumps? etc.
Most of the failures are caused by owners who jury rig wiring, or think they are improving stuff, because they know more than Honda, and saw something on Youtube.
Now lets just agree to disagree on just about everything, and let me get back to helping this poor guy.