I don't think this is factually accurate. I ordered my Model X in January 2017, and I think I had a choice between EAP and FSD even then*. I went for EAP. Maybe it was different for Model 3, and it's entirely possible that Tesla flip-flopped between separating out EAP and bundling it all in FSD.
FWIW, I find lane-change useful in my Model X with EAP and AP2.0 hardware. I don't get many phantom braking events (perhaps because my car has radar), and find autopilot generally really helpful on long motorway journeys, or 3,000 mile European road trips.
There is no way I'd pay for FSD - not then, not now. Last time I checked on YouTube, it wasn't close to being 'done' in the US, and the UK is so far down Tesla's priority list that I'm willing to bet a fiver that, as a small market that drives on the right side (interpret as you will) of the road, we'll never get FSD. Even if it was possible, you've then got UK politics and lawmaking to deal with.
*EDIT - I think FSD was called something else then... IIRC I had three options - bugger-all AP, EAP, and super-duper AP of some description.