I think what people are trying to say is... by today's standards, 256MB isn't a heck of a lot. I don't think it leaves Apple much room to expand.
If I understand it correctly I think the lack of ram is important.
It will make developers more efficient when coding apps.
More efficient apps mean less computing power, which in turn means less battery consumption.
Basically, the apps have enough room to work, but thats it, no waste.
And when the next wave of apps are released that need more resources, battery tech will have improved, processor speed etc to cope.
In the mean time, apps are efficient, apple saved $$ and you'll have more reason to buy the next one. Win Win Win.
🙄
I also really really hope that the background processes are done by the limited 10mb dashboard (only run what is actually necessary) approach.
This shouldn't affect speed much at all.
Maybe i'm wrong with this but thats what I see.