I have to wonder where the two paths will diverge, if they even do diverge when it comes to the illithid powers. Will there be a point where if you've used the powers a certain amount, you no longer have a choice in a story point? Or will people that never used them and those that used them constantly end up with the same choices in the end? It would be disappointing to have something so integral to the game end up meaning not much at all.
That said, if they're going to make using illithid devices use illithid powers, then they should be consistent. Elevator? powers. Healing station? powers. using the console in the bridge? powers. Otherwise, this one decision ends up very much seeming like a "you want cute girl? you use bad powers" moment.
I don't know about every device. SH is a special prisoner, held in a special pod device meant to keep her locked up for good. So, to me, it makes sense that it requires an ILLITHID to unlock it.
