I have my shade open 100% of the time and the sunroof open 0% of the time.

 

You must live in Alaska then!

 

In the summer in FL, if I'm not leaving the car for too long, I'll use the tilt function and slide the shade open about an inch or so. That seems to help keep the car a bit cooler when I get back.

 

You don't have to open the shade all the way.

 

Even then, the sun still gets thru

 

I find a sunroof's tilt feature the quietest way to get outside air into the car. It's quieter than using the windows. It helps to keep from running the air conditioning whenever possible. You mentioned the sun coming in through the small opening of a partially open shade. Where most people live, that is only possible a couple hours out of each 24-hour day. And that's when the sun is actually out and not obscured by clouds. But I find night driving using the tilt feature and no air conditioning the best simply because it's cooler outside.

 

I use it alot to let air in. I usually have windows open rather than AC, and I like the light brought in through the moon roof.

 

Great when eating a hot snack in front (parked) to allow steam to escape.
fresh air can set back the shade even with part roof tilt or slid back

so much better than many other marques that are either fixed or just slide.

 

99% of the time mines tilted open.

 

Used the tilt feature once to see if it works.
I open the sun shade during fall/winter. I like the light coming in.
Personally, I would prefer a EX-L without the sun/moon roof.