So true. After experiencing the X form factor (notch) for about a year, and then playing with the SE in the Apple store…. It wasn’t so much FOMO, but just this general sense of “wow I really do not like these bezels”.I think for the ordinary consumer it'll come down to the most obvious visual difference, which given the rumors, seems to be the departure from the notch for the Pro models.
Apple's dedication to the notch has solidified that visual motif so hard in people that regardless of how different the internals are, I think that this will create a whole new sense of FOMO for those upgrading this year. People don't like looking at their device and knowing for a fact that it is now "old". That can be avoided with the 13 vs. 13 Pro since the front panels are near identical, but this aesthetic difference may even push those with 12's and 13's who wouldn't have upgraded to go for it.
It’ll probably be the same when there the pro option without the gigantic notch up top.