Thanks for all the feedback! Based on this feedback, I think maybe mine is underperforming.

Mine works great. In fact it gets so cold I have to turn it down and direct the vents away from me. We have had weeks where the weather is above 90 and heat indexes over 100.

You are not the only one, mine has been a bit on the weak side too. It has been much hotter than normal this year so I figured that was the problem, but now based on this thread I am wondering if I need some coolant to get it up to speed. Thanks for asking the question.

I don't have "real" AC gauges, so I borrowed one like this from a friend. When it was blowing warm on the drivers side only, (weird), the needle was right between green and blue zones (24psi). After 1/2 can (small size), it was at 46psi (kept it in the blue zone) and blowing cold as balls.

It is likely an automated fill system so all cars "should" have the same initial fill. That said automated systems are known to screw up now and then.
The bigger variations would be with leakage and driving type.
Those that mess with their engine bays may be creating small leaks and lose a bit of pressure. AC system fittings can be temperamental.
Driving around the city at lower RPMs may give a false impression that the AC is ineffective. Hit the highway and bring the revs up and you may find it is bloody cold all of a sudden.
Even the second gen is still a small displacement engine that never plays well with AC even under the best of conditions so there can be quite a difference from car to car.

It also seems that the second gen disables the compressor at throttle openings other than WOT. At least this is what I think I feel.

Good point. They could very well be wringing every bit of power they can out of it by shutting the AC down more often. Even a couple of seconds off can increase temps in the car quickly.

Same as first gen. :thumbsup:

EDIT: After reading your post for a 20th time I think you're saying that it disconnects at WOT and at smaller throttle openings. That sounds like a great feature to me. I always turn it off in my other vehicles when going up a hill or anticipating acceleration.

Can you clarify this? Did you mean the opposite? What would make sense is the compressor disconnecting* during WOT, or even above some throttle percentage like 75%.

*A/C compressors usually have an electric clutch to engage or disengage from a pulley that is always being spun by a belt.

You would be correct. Sometimes it feels like any tiny movement disables the A/C compressor.

[s]My AC only works when I'm mashing the gas pedal[/s]

I have a Gen 1 BRZ

Pressing the RECIRCULATE switch maximizes the cooling. The aircon struggles when pulling in 99 degree air from outside

Works fine until someone farts.

Unless one is alone in the cabin. Then it's glorious.

Mine only works when I turn it on.