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In response to your proposed MBP (a "Pro's Pro"), I think you may be reaaaaaally darn close, if not nail-on-the-head accurate. The new MP is the tower version of what you're describing. For serious, workstation-level laptop computing, they really need to produce something like what you described to scratch that itch for folks who need it in portable form. For everyone else, we won't need it (or be able to afford it). Personally, as a professional musician, I can use a lot of horsepower for running Logic or Ableton, but I get by just fine on my maxed out Mid-2014 15" MBP. Point being, if I had the option of buying a tricked-out 15" Macbook (Air) that would get me by for say, $3k, I'd do that. But if I could get a New MBP (the one you're describing) for another grand, I'd do that. Especially since I tend to keep my machines for 5-7 years. It'd be nice to have all the options you describe.
You may be right on the Air name (see my comments above). I've thought about the starting price... I think you may be right on that, too. I'd guess an $1199 starting point if you are. I don't think it would be smart on their end to start at that point, as they'd price out a lot of college kids, but I can certainly see them doing it.
Gosh, this is a long post. Sorry, everyone, but since leaving Apple, I don't have anyone to geek out with over all these things.

Thanks for dialoging.