I don't agree with you - my 2016 Cactus was recalled for a safety issue; I don't believe there have been any on my current car. Under both EU and UK law manufacturers have a legal duty to recall unsafe vehicles and to repair them free of charge. The resulting legal actions from not doing so would wipe out any company failing to conform to the law.
I know it's Citroen that is being discussed here, but how many other manufacturers dole out workshop manuals, either free or chargeable, to all and sundry? I think most manufacturers try to force owners to get their vehicles serviced at a manufacturer-approved place, and not distributing manuals is part of that process. I think that's wrong, but I don't actually believe that it's only PSA-built vehicles that manuals aren't available for.
So far, I haven't been charged anything for software upodates; I'm not sure if you are talking about the computers in the car, or the navigation system. BMW, Mercedes and others all charge for mapping updates. I updated my car system yesterday for free, via the Citroen Update program on my PC. Please give more information about the kind of updates you are referring to...
I'm on my second, and I'll certainly consider another when they introduce an affordable electric or hydrogen-powerd SUV with a range of 300 miles or more.