Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton wrote:

> i would expect under these circumstances to just be able to press
> "Ctrl-Alt-F1" and to log in at a text console as root.
> 
> if that's *not possible* then it's a severe bug.

From the OP I understand it is about starting TDM, when expected is to spawn
console only.

I must admit I have never tried it. I either have workstation (TDM expected)
or have a server (no UI).

Instead complaining and stiring up dust around systemd, raise a bug so it
may be properly investigated and fixed. There might be adjustment needed in
some part of tdm.

regards