Got the new car home. Very pleased so far but, as with everything you buy these days, added complexity. Checked out the manual and the only way the auto idle stop system works on a Honda CVT is by keeping the footbrake pressed. If you want the auto idle stop to work there is no alternative. It is in the manual in black and white. There is not a mention of any duty of care to drivers queuing up behind you.
On the way to the dealers, I decided I would check out vehicles at lights. Best example, a CRV at a light in Stockton Heath just outside Warrington. Almost certainly an automatic because his lights were on until the traffic light changed. In all honesty I can't say I felt in the least bit uncomfortable with this but it was daylight. More annoying was a Nissan Micra later on at lights who kept putting her brake on and off - much more annoying.
I live in Warrington which has several swing bridges and these cause lengthy delays. Not only that you don't want to keep your foot on the brake for, say, 10 minutes in any event. Dealer suggests putting it in Park, engine off, and restart as normal so that is what I'll do.