a bit new for me BUT thanks for the Update and taking the time to post those details aye ❤️ 

Man that TR option is about as close to an STI as you're likely to get nowadays. A shame Subaru NZ doesn't bring a few in.

Final update, got a second hand unit installed. Back to working normally. I went second hand as I like the factory units, the physical off and volume button. Also the maps speed camera alerts, albeit way out of date and I know you can use Waze etc but no carplay with these head units. $560 odd for unit $280 install etc My research for replacements found: Most can't deal with the Harman Kardon amp, uses CAN bus for volume and turn on controls or something. A few android units were compatible though. Every unit is left hand drive biased in the layout. https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-9-inch-car-radio-for-subaru-forester-impreza-wrx-sti-2013-2018-google-map.html - the older 9" model with a physical button. https://www.idoingstereo.com/products/Idoing9quotCarRadioPlayerForSubaruWRX2016-2021GPSNavigationCarplayAndAndroidAutoHeadUnitPlugAndPlay360Panorama.html  - which most youtube videos are about. Two interesting option were: https://teyes.co.nz/collections/subaru/products/teyes-cc3-for-subaru-forester-4-sj-2016-2018-car-radio-multimedia-video-player-navigation-stereo-no-2din-2-din-dvd - meant to have a better menu/interface https://aucarauto.com/product/aucar-tesla-style-subaru-wrx-2015-2021/ - tesla style if thats your think

Has anyone here purchased the Premium 6Spd manual version?  What's it like? I also see we don't get the TR version with the Brembos and Recaro seats.

The cars are pretty much identical. I think the tS gets like... heated wing mirrors, some slightly fancy dampers and an STI badge on the steering wheel. It is a little bit odd that they don't offer a manual tS but that's the reality of most car brands and their extremely limited customisation these days.