> I would hope that the on board software wouldn't use those front brakes during light deceleration.

No, this isn't safe. A car that only allowed one set of wheels to brake would in some cases spin around dangerously. Safe brakes must apply the same force on all four (or more) wheels simultaneously.

Remember that the computer can't possibly know if the car is sliding across black ice, a situation in which the application of even force is an absolute requirement for a safe stop.