I’d say it’s more tragic than cruel. In my mind, cruelty requires conscious decision, something the universe is incapable of. The universe isn’t inflicting anything, it is simply happening.

I’m not implying your worries are not valid, but I’ve never understood this perspective. From my point of view, an uncaring universe is freeing. We have no responsibility to any great power, and are free to choose our own path.

I believe it would be a valid concern, if those V-8 engines were all designed and manufactured by the same company. Sure, one could modify it’s design to suit their needs, including removing things they may not like about the base design, but that can’t be sustainable when those changes won’t be supported by mechanics, and when companies using those cars forbid the use of cars with modified engines.