Went through the thread and here is my two pence.
1) ABS (+ EBD) should be made available on all cars from base version onwards. I agree that ABS does not guarantee shorter braking, however the fact that you can still steer (with ABS) gives the driver more flexibility to manage and escape from a scenarios and is definitely an advantage over locked wheels (and inability to steer). Also tests have proven that ABS+EBD combination shortens braking distance on slippery surfaces.
2) Airbags is like insurance. You always hope you don't need it. Talking of the price of Airbag replacement is a no-brainer since in 90% of the cases, if they do deploy, you will probably have greater issues at hand than thinking of the cost of an airbag.
3) The safety of the car is not only dependent on airbags and ABS/EBD along. Also depends on how the car is structurally. The crash ratings are given based upon the cumulative effect of the design, ABS, Airbags, traction control, pedestrian safety and host of other features. It is foolish to thing that heavier cars are more safer than new generation lighter models. In summary all depends on how the car has been designed to spread the force of the impact. Search on youtube and you will get a lot of videos where in a collision between a larger SUV and a smaller hatch, its the hatch that comes out as the winner.
Remember that for ABS/EBD, you probably would need them often. I am a very careful driver (not sedate and not a speed freak either), however there has been atleast 4-5 instance where I was glad that there was ABS + EBD in my Jazz. In US, even base version of the cars come with all safety features, something that our government should make mandatory.
Again not trying to offend any one, just my point of view.