A-GPS is "real GPS". It uses the cell phone network to bootstrap the almanac and a rough location solution if available, but it does use the GPS constellation when it's outside and needs the accuracy. Any iOS device that supports A-GPS is perfectly capable of getting a location solution when it isn't in range of wifi or the cellular network as long as it's got a line of site to 3 or 4 satellites, it just takes longer.
They tend to share the celluar chipset because anyone building a mobile device wants GPS these days so it's cost-effective to combine the silicon, and non-bundled chips may have some advantages (better marginal reception, better accuracy with more channels and WAAS), but the bundled one is a real GPS chip.
I'm sorry, but you are wrong. A-GPS is dependent upon a carrier network. It does not continue to work, nor connect to the GPS satellites when you are not on the cellular network. When you are on wi-fi, it's even worse and less accurate. Ask any of us who have been in the middle of nowhere when our cellular signal went poof. Smart phones have made this better, because you still have the full direction set and can use the touch screen to slide the map around, but it is not live connected. That information is solely relayed through the cellular network. Why do you think people are so passionate about the issue?
This is why I can't stand when people get into the whole semantics about "REAL" GPS. Do we need to be so precise? We all know what someone means when they say they want a "real" GPS. They wan't the realiability that comes with a Tom Tom. To further dispute you claim it works when out of the service area, Tom Tom made the iPhone dock with a dedicated "real" GPS in it for a reason. It's selling feature was not only do you get Tom-Tom's maps, but you never have to fear about not having a connection to the GPS network when you are out of your service area. You might not even be able to have your GPS work if you are roaming. It's also more accurate.
People want to be able to take a hike in the mountains and the GPS actually work. That's what they mean by real GPS. They want the GPS to actually connect to the GPS system in our orbit, not the info relayed from a third party (your phone company).
What does GPS mean again? GPS: Global Positioning Satellite.
Well, A-GPS does not connect to the GPS network, it connects to the phone carrier who then relays your location back and forth. No, it's not imaginary GPS or make believe, but it's not really GPS either.
A-GPS is crap. The only reason it exists at all if for the benefit of wireless carriers to try and charge you money. The wi-fi iPads don't have it all... it's always latched onto the carrier data chipset. Yes, it is cheaper, but you failed to mention that it's only like a couple of bucks cheaper than putting in a dedicated "real" GPS.
Many Android tablets use "real" GPS and are cheaper than the iPad with beefier specs inside. It's not a cost issue. What I don't understand is why Apple goes this route in the first place, as with IOS devices you don't need to subscribe to carrier navigation apps. You can, but I don't think anyone really does. A-GPS was designed so carriers can charge you $10 a month, and nothing more and nothing less.
Apple purchased a mapping company, and seems poised to bring their own version of maps. Probably in IOS 6 (some thought it might make it into IOS 5). This further blurs the need for carrier assisted GPS, and I hope maybe that will be the push Apple needs to make the hardware change. All their rivals have started to do it, and I wonder too if maybe they have contractual issues with a few carriers that still need to be honored. Because... A-GPS was made to make carriers money.