Probably for the best all around. IMHO, anyone that would consider a Corolla an alternative to the MINI is probably not into the MINI for the "right" reasons if you know what I mean.
Now if you said she got out of the MINI and into an SVT Focus or something I'd have a different opinion
Too bad though -- I wish MINI would get the stalling/stumble fixes out already, though I'd rather they take their time and make it right over rushing out a half-assed solution.