How would TPMS have helped the Firestone/Ford issue? The tires weren't spontaneously losing pressure; Ford was spec'ing a low tire pressure and the tread was separating. I'm generally supportive of TPMS but struggling to figure out how your comment is responsive to the grandparent comment.
Tires do spontaneously lose tire pressure. 1-3 psi/month.
There was no margin on tire pressure. TPMS would absolutely have saved lives. General public runs consistently low tire pressure. Source: I am a member of general public and consistently forget to top up. Also, paid my way through college in the 1980s in a gas station back when full service was a thing.