Closing the lid defeats the purpose. For example when cleaning the keyboard or replacing a broken key. Additionally if the machine is always ready to turn on, it's also draining the battery if not plugged in.
Not being able to turn the machine off is not only inconvenient, it's also a safety concern. What if a battery overheats? Ludicrous design. Completely unacceptable.
I've spoken to Apple support (tier 1 and 2). Even they were stunned when they discovered that apparently this behavior is a "feature". Yes, the M1 and M2 Macs don't actually shutdown and ALWAYS restart when ANY key is pressed. The tier 2 fellow literally said "wow, I can't believe this."
They passed my complaint upwards. And I've entered a complaint on the website. I'll be following up with a letter.
Kirk