DOWNLOAD FOLDER

jwnhr9 wrote: "...it would be so much more straightforward for iOS to have a dedicated Download folder, directly available to the user, rather than having to search within in iCloud etc. OS has this facility with a single click."

You can place an icon on the Home Screen which will open the Downloads folder with a single tap:

The above is a simple custom Shortcut I just created consisting of two actions: Folder and Open File:

...Then:

Add a shortcut to the Home Screen on iPhone or iPad

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That would be because for security reasons iOS does not have a user accessible filing system unlike macOS. They aren’t going to change that.

jwnhr9 wrote: "Can you please offer extra step by step guidance on how that is achieved ?..."

Jim ~ Sure, but rather than me typing a lot, I made a video linked below. If you're not sure what element I've tapped, post back with the time it occurred, e.g. "What are you tapping at 00:29?" and I'll reply: "Add Action". Shortcuts is easy once you're familiar with it, but inevitably there's a learning curve. At lower right of the video there's a Settings "cog" icon via which you can slow the speed to 0.5x.

Creating the Downloads custom shortcut – 01:18 video

Ref: Shortcuts User Guide for iPhone and iPad

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If you'd like, please submit your request/comment to Apple directly, using this link:--> Product Feedback - Apple

Regards

Giulio

jwnhr9 wrote:

Downloads just disappear into files

Not necessarily.

That’s the default…

But you can easily change the location.

iOS and (some computer’s) OS are far from identical.