I agree with your assessment that it's an overly sensitive sensor on the 1/8" jack, and it's unfortunate that you can't always use your audio interface (although I wouldn't ever want to be in that position as a professional).
My $0.02:
As an audio professional myself (30 years), I NEVER rely on any 1/8" consumer jack for audio work - there are just too many potential problems with this type of jack (learned from experience). I always use an external audio interface for all audio "situations" involving a computer. First, the quality is much better, second, the type of connector (1/4" TRS or XLR, both balanced) are both accepted "pro" standard. Balanced outputs allow very long runs without RF interference, and you won't need any 1/8" to 1/4" adaptors, which are also VERY problematic. They are also much harder (esp XLR) to accidently pull out, which according to Murphy's Law, WILL eventually happen! 😉
Obviously, when I say 1/8" jacks and adaptors are problematic, I don't mean they WILL fail, just that their failure rate is MUCH higher than the pro standard 1/4" or XLR. If you need consistent reliability (and if your reputation depends on it), all 1/8" jacks are currently out of the question, at least for me.
As always, YMMV, but I do agree that this problem should be addressed.
~Giles Reaves
