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You're right. For a pure highway car (which is 90-95% how I use it), it probably hurts me a bit more than it helps.
But it's really nice to have a super quiet high voltage starter!
And even though I try to avoid the devil's pedal like the plague, sometimes it's not possible/practical, and then it's nice to be able to put some of that slow-down energy back into the pack. And then most of that stored energy gets spent later by the DC-DC converter when the ICE is off. Not for electric assist.
Also, the hybrid bits are great in the city for looking after re-starting the ICE after killing it. Shift into gear... automatic restart! Tap the accelerator... automatic restart! Deplete the brake vacuum reservoir... automatic restart! Turn on the climate control... automatic restart!
Not necessary, but nice.
And yes, all of those functions (except the high voltage quiet starter) could be looked after by a "smart" 12v system (with less capacity obviously). We're seeing just such 12v "micro hybrid" systems on more and more new cars.
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