To start, I have the new MacBook and love it, fits all my needs perfectly so far.
But, for the ranting hater types it seems that they wanted all the features of a Pro somehow stuffed into a super-thin, 2-pound package with all the ports. The problem with that is that it's just not possible right now. If it was... Apple would have done it. I do believe they could have added another USB-C port on the opposite side and ditched the headphone jack--of course, then people would bitch/rant about the lack of a headphone jack--but otherwise the tech just does not exist yet to make a fan-less, powerful laptop with a retina screen and decent battery life. It really doesn't. Yes, they could have maybe put a retina screen on the existing Airs but I think the Air has become the "cheap" Apple laptop and a retina screen would have negated that. (Also, I am of the opinion that Apple will probably phase out the Air line as the MacBook matures over the next few years and there are more options for CPU/RAM.)
So for now: If you need/want power and multiple ports, get a Pro. if you need portable and relatively cheap with a few ports, get an Air. If you need ultra-thin, light and a retina screen and don't mind the lack of ports, get the new MacBook. It's that simple.
people would bitch/rant about the lack of a headphone jack
it's all wireless so ditch the earphone jack and use a bt headset. simple.