What's so intimidating about understeer?

It's as predictable as the sunrise.

 

Quite honestly, the problem that exists here is one of degree, AND, this mode of communication. I do understand what Onasled is describing. Highly tuned suspensions systems, those set-up for track work for example, are typically described as close coupled. Meaning, there is very little warning between that last bit of grip and a slide...loss of control. Cars set-up this way typically have very high limits as well. So, when the crap hits the fan, or you've run out of talent - these two usually occupy the same space and time - it will do so suddenly and with much greater force than a stock set-up. Lots of lean and screeching tires telegraph the future far in advance. Stiff springs and dampers along with low profile tires do not. and, if yer driving a set of those realy nice track only sticky things, they let go NOW!

Understeer is still safer, and can be much quicker under some circumstances...within reasonable limits. Agreed Markbradford!

 

Then you're a better driver than I am.

At the BMW club driving school on the wet skidpad, if the instructor yanked the e-brake at the same time I lifted off the throttle, there was no hope of me saving the resulting spin. Yes, that's a slightly contrived case, but I wouldn't say that oversteer is easy to pull out of on a MINI, at least for me.

 

what is tricky about understeer is that you need to steer less into the turn to counter-act it...the intuitive opposite...plus, don't you hate the feeling of pushing your tires sideways? .

 

...yes, and if you enter a turn - in this car - early enough you can indeed steer less.

I've found the mini exhibits drop throttle understeer and straightens out quite nicely under even throttle pressure. Kinda nice actually; if you want to keep moving efficiently, you gotta keep yer foot in it a little.