Different strokes for different folks. We have 3 iPads in our house:
iPad 2: for son and his friends to play with, loaded strictly with kids games, books, movies and music. He doesn't need or care about having a retina screen but he prefers the larger size to that of the mini.
iPad 4: mine, used daily for work, concept sketching and entertainment. I prefer the larg size and retina display to that of the mini, especially when rocking on artwork, photography, concepting and writing.
iPad mini: wife's, sold her iPad 3 on eBay and bought mini, the lack of retina screen doesn't bother her, she loves the size/weight and portability.
Other than my son's iPad 2 we sell our old iPads/iPhones when new models come out and upgrade to the latest. I love the size/weight of the mini but prefer the larger screen for working on concept art, we'll see how I feel if/when a retina mini is released, I may change my mind.