[jamesqf]

One of the things I don't get here is that (according to the reports I've see) the Tesla was travelling well above the speed limit. Doesn't having its 'autopilot' system allow this (illegal by definition, and arguably unsafe) behavior automatically make Tesla at fault?

It does seem that this is yet another instance of Musk's particular version of hubris (for want of a better word): a condition where after making one brilliant move, you feel compelled to go and do a couple of really stupid things to compensate. As for instance building (fairly) practical electric cars was a good move; wasting your company's limited capital and laying yourself open to massive lawsuits by trying to develop self-driving tech (and competing with companies that have lots more money, too)... well, not so smart :-)