No, it is not that expensive to purchase a few dongles, or perhaps tedious to keep track of them for use on the rare occasion. It is a compromise that may make sense in a model like the MacBook, with customers who use ports infrequently. Although many of them would seem to prefer a second USB-C port, at minimum. However . . .
Despite what Tim Cook might think, we do not live in a totally wireless world, save perhaps within spaceship Apple. Especially for models marketed as 'Pro,' ports are required and used on a regular basis. Large files are not practical to transmit wirelessly, etc.
While lovely in concept to have one common port which works for everything, in practice today and years to come having only that access is a bad compromise and downgrade. Apple would have been better advised to add one or two USB-C ports to those existing. Therein lies customer choice and satisfaction.
Not all ports are created equal and if those who use and would miss ethernet have a point, everyone does with the elimination of MagSafe. Some claim not to miss it, that it disconnected too easily, etc. But it is a brilliant innovation, simple to use, a pleasure so, as well a sound safety feature. Apple has a lot to apologize for in just this move, aside from all else with the 2016 MBP.
If this is subjective, my feeling the USB-C connection isn't particularly well engineered. Yes, a solid connection, if arguably too much so; it has to be physically pushed firmly in, near yanked out. If Apple was so keen on one common port perhaps they should have designed it from the ground up to be near flawless in all respects, including the intangible of feel, of touch and usage. One of the little refinements they used to be known for. If protesting they could not as adopting this existing common standard, really? They have no problem forcing their customers—and presumably larger market—in whatever direction they like.
Then there seem to be mentions of USB-C being a hackers delight in ready access to the greater computer. Unlike, it seems, all the existing ports to one degree or another. That includes paying attention to power sources used, provenance of—never before an issue with MagSafe.
Only lately I was watching a Mac-centric podcast with video powered through a 2016 MBP. In pointing to some text to highlight a point the host was perplexed to find it shaking about. Took a moment or two to sort that out by switching out one dongle for another. It is not so much having to purchase any number of dongles, keep track of same and use them which will aggravate customers, but situations similar to that mentioned where "It Just Works" does not apply. These things have different complex standards to begin with, which will prove confusing to many. Not to mention a wide range of capabilities and quality. Forcing customers to rely solely on USB-C, particularly at this juncture, is just asking for ongoing problems and distress.
Considering the other features of the 2016 MBP, the subtraction to USB-C only rather fits it. Only those Apple customers who are not masochists should retain the option of purchasing a real MacBook Pro.
