That's just buyers remorse talking
The number 1 complaint for the mini was no retina, not lack or speed or NFC or camera, but no retina
It would be shocking if apple didn't do it. Why would you think it would take a 3rd generation to get retina? Because the iPad? Lol. Technology escalates on case you didn't notice
A non retina resolution screen late 2013 would be embarrassing for Apple on a tablet device. Retina phone, iPad, MacBook, but no mini when that's what everyone wants? Lol
Technology may escalate, but not necessarily that quick. I'm not sure who this 'everyone' is that you're talking about. Seems to me, most of the folks here that actually own it, myself included are just fine with the current screen technology. It's not the number one complaint (for owners). It's possibly the number one request (from non owners). I'm not so sure you understand the compromise necessary pack that many pixels, and the necessary energy to drive them into a package this small. Read Anandtech's very in depth review for a better understanding of what Apple's hurdles are in order to achieve double the resolution (and maintain the same battery life, form factor and performance).
I believe you're confusing the power required for the screen itself and GPU capability to run it smoothly on the retina resolution.
Or perhaps it's you (that is confused). The screen backlight requires far more power (LED/LCD & IPS technology) to run than the GPU requires. FAR more power. The screen is the number one 'energy sucker'. Not the CPU/GPU. OLED is a little different but still an energy/power whore. While the 'mini' is only 2 inches shorter diagonally than the 'big' iPad....it represents only about half the total surface area. Not that this will correlate to exactly half the energy necessary to power the retina mini with the same duration as a non retina fortified tablet, but it's a better indicator than the power necessary to drive the GPU. New screen technologies like IGZO (along with Sharp's ability to mass produce them in time and without error) along with new, more efficient energy (battery) design will be necessary to release a same size mini with a retina screen IN the current form factor, maintaining the same weight.
Not a huge deal though...obviously. In the USA, the mini is just now...two months after release....able to be picked up at retailers on a walk in basis. They've sold like hotcakes! Nobody, outside our little Geek realm here at MR, is clamoring for higher ppi or resolution. Even within our little club, those that have actually went out, bought one, and used it for the duration are mostly very happy with the entire package. It's an awesome device that will definitely include a retina display at some point in the future....but it's hardly a necessity if (current) sales volume is indicative of a 'successful' product
J