Hello GoodBytes...yes, I returned my first Type Cover 2, but the second one has the same enhanced feature. I've also "tested" several other SP2's with Type Cover 2's and was able to replicate one particular power setting configuration that will disable the touchpad (or re-enable the feature...whichever way MS wants to look at these things). The techs agreed that it's a problem and may be driver related? If you want you can give the following a shot to see if you have the same results:
1) In the desktop mode open the Internet Explorer and confirm the touchpad gestures are working correctly by using the two-finger scroll or swipe-in from the right side to show the charms (if the touchpad gestures are not working detach and reattach the keyboard and redo step #1). I also have the page scrolling reversed so that should also be operating correctly.
2) When the touchpad gestures are working correctly go to Control Panel>Power Options.
3) Select “Choose what closing the lid does”.
4) Set “When I close the lid” to “Do Nothing” for when Plugged In.
5) Save the selected power options.
6) Plug-in the Surface (if not already).
7) Close the Type Cover 2 and leave closed for a few moments (about 10 seconds or more). The Surface should not go into Sleep mode.
8) Open the Type Cover 2 to reactivate the keyboard.
9) Open Internet Explorer and check if the touchpad gestures are operating correctly or have been disabled.
10) If the touchpad gestures are not working correctly detach and reattach the keyboard.
11) The touchpad gestures should now be reactivated.
I had thought this had been resolved after the Feb. patch, but it still works this way for me. Unfortunately, this is currently the way I would like to have the power settings configured.
Thanks for the interest.