I don't understand what is their thought process. Am I supposed to get up and start driving in hopes of finding the kid(s)? By the time I wake up in the morning, usually, they have been found.

Just set it so that it doesn't bypass do-not-disturb and it'll have the same result while not disturbing sleep. Those awake will get the notification, and for the others, they can see it in the morning.

Well, the current hardware is solid - great build quality, powerful, insane battery life.

However, software-wise, the peak was 10.6. There hasn't been the same level of quality ever since.