You sir, are absolutely correct. I have this same issue and it has made me insane. These are seats from hell. I had to buy a 200 cushion just to be able to drive the car. Way less than ideal as it raises me too high. Good tip about the heat. I tend to use that less than usual due to I could never feel it under the cushion. These seats are shamefully designed. The cooling sucks had and does not work even a little bit. I had my little 89 pound niece sit on these and even she noticed that damn bar. I had a six 5 skinny friend sit in them and same thing. I am basically average.
I really got to get to an upholsterer but with about 6 months to go on the lease, kind of too late. I wish I had gotten the SEL. Not great seats, but way better. BUt some features of the T were must have for me. I would have liked to seen a class action suit over these seats. Next week, I open up and tell how I really feel!