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I'll simply add my "ME-2" to most of these comments.
Cable notch would be handy.
I think a rear hinge would be better than the side hinge. First off, there will be a passenger in the front seat far more frequently than in the back seats so the convenience should be there for the two up front. Secondly, that side hinge will not only make getting the front passenger's drink harder, it will physically restrict their left elbow. Frankly, as cramped as the back seats are I don't know I'd want someone trying to juggle a drink back there anyway.
As far as strength of a rear-hinge, that shouldn't be a problem. A rear-hinged arm rest/console cover has been a standard design for decades in all manner of cars and trucks. My old Celica had one and it never broke off or even torqued sideways. I even designed a small, drop in spacer to turn the center console into a cup holder since it was an '87 and didn't have one. Consequently the armrest spent plenty of time both up and down with no problems.
The single stitch looks fine to me as well. I think it might look too busy with a double.
I would caution against any kind of stamped, embossed or embroidered logo on the top of the armrest itself though as that would likely be uncomfortable to rest one's arm on. The FR-S is awesome, but I don't think I want a brand on my forearm. Maybe a logo on the underside to pretty it up while it's opened would be an idea.
This is a great idea (and it boggles the mind that the car wasn't designed with something like this from the start), and I would frankly buy it as is - but I would definitely prefer a rear hinge.
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