Once again dual mono out unless you turn off all "DSP" processing. We used to call this cripple ware in my software days.
I don't think I understand what you're saying. What's dual mono?
Mackie's linking implementation is identical to industry standard Yamaha's, with the exception that in Yamaha's you can decide to only link some of the parameters, and you can do offsets, nether of which functions I have a use for. When I link channels, I generally want them identical except for panning. Mackie's implementation is exactly what I want in an low cost entry-level mixer. As a bonus, the redundant channel disappears, making more room onscreen. Brilliant.
Global phantom isn't a one size fits all mentality, it's a common cost savings measure.