AFAIK, they are just doing that right as we speak. The MKC has buttons, the new MKX has buttons and I wouldn't be surprised if the new MKS and refreshed MKZ will get buttons, too.
Personally, I never missed them and If they would simply add them to the current interior of the MKZ, it will destroy the sleek and clean design.
The other things you mentioned are industry-standards in regards to safety. If you think it's dangerous to take your eyes off the road to seek through radio-stations, I have to tell you it's not any safer to enter a destination into the Navi or pair a phone while driving. Sure, somebody else could do it - but honestly, the same applies to seeking through radio-stations, right? ;)