This has been in the making for a while now. I entirely and 100% agree that the machine could have done without an optical drive. There are far more people that would have rather seen powerful graphics over an optical drive (then again, this is a marketing strategy that Apple could be using to force those who want graphics to pay more for the 15").
The Intel graphics were known to be slower all along. Intel just doesn't have it down for 3d yet, though it will do anything 2d like a champ. For some things, I'm sure the HD 3000 will work fine. Some people don't play games, or need much graphic power. With the proposed removal of the Polycarb MB line, the 13" becomes the baseline model, and plenty of users will be fine with that.
While I almost NEVER use my optical drive in both my desktop or laptop, I know that there are still people who use them on a daily basis for whatever reason. Many agree that optical media (in the form of CDs and DVDs) is not yet dead, and that is also respectable. So long as the drive is still useful, Apple will likely feel that it should be included in the machine.
However, I believe that there is a very valid user-base that love having somewhat powerful graphics in the ultra portable 13" model. I feel that Apple should have created an option (customized online or however this would be executed) that would drop the opti-drive for a "useful" (personal definition, please don't flame) graphics card.
Yes, I realize that some say there is now room for a discreet GPU now that the controller die was moved to the CPU die. This may be true, but there is also the thermal issue, as not only does the card need to fit on the board, another heat-pipe and heatsink need to be fit into the case. Engineering-wise, this may or may not have been possible. My point here is to remember that there are other limitations beyond logic board space.
No matter, the HD 3000 will play Minecraft (which is the only game you need right?
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