Disabling ios15 Focus synced to multiple devices when you don't use 2FA

Just want to make sure others see what I just learned from another community thread in case they have the same issue.

My phone was already on ios15.5. I just updated my ipad mini 5 to 15.5, and, while setting up Focus DND, realized that it was also adjusting the settings on my iphone, and that turning on and off DND occurred on both devices simultaneously. I do not use iCloud, and the Share Across Devices was greyed-out in the OFF position. I do NOT use 2FA. And there is fine print under the toggle that says you can't even sync unless you have 2FA on, so I didn't think I should have this problem.

After researching how several others have the same issue, including that the toggle is not available because they do not have 2FA, one thread included a comment where what really appears to be happening is that the default sync setting is actually ON when you have multiple devices. When he turned on 2FA, it activated the toggle button so he could turn off syncing. I do not know if he turned off 2FA and the setting held.

This is ridiculous and misleading. The default setting should be OFF - keep the devices separate. Like the instructions say, if you want syncing, then turn on 2FA and turn on syncing. If you don't, you shouldn't even be bothered with syncing at all. And if the default is ON, then the greyed button should be in the ON position. And the instructions should say that you need 2FA to turn syncing OFF.

I also called into Apple, and they suggested I send feedback, which I did, but I don't know if they will fix this and make the default to be OFF. Now, I can no longer use DND on my ipad since I don't want my iphone quiet overnight. I am very disappointed. I also may try turning on 2FA just to turn off syncing, and then see if the setting holds when I turn off 2FA again.

Hope this is helpful to anyone experiencing the same problem.