Same here. I was just talking about that with my brother in law who has '02 I30. So is my old '93 Altima. They all have separate button for Recycle and A/C, and it does not turn on A/C when pressing Recycle.
One other thing I noticed is using Econ while in Manual mode. I have to press Auto/Econ button twice and then hit Down arrow fan speed once to turn off Auto. This is really annoying. Anyone else experience this?

 

If you look at the duct system closely you will see that the firewall is the duct, while silicone will prevent some heated air from going in there in reality you would have to insulate the whole wall between engine and battery and brake component compartments, just look close behind the battery and you will see the cabin filter, as you travel yhe cool air from outside will overcome the heat fron the wall, but that takes a while, I am going to try to put some insulation on the firewall itself , just a matter of finding the correct thickness and flexibility.
If it works I will let all of you know.