There is no substitute for wired Ethernet connections. This is true especially after what we learned during the WFH era. Wi-Fi can be fast, but it is still Wi-Fi, and the signals can be compromised by building materials, distance from the access point, etc. For the fastest and most stable connections, wired is the way to go, even for laptops like MacBook Pros. I do not have a desktop computer, I have a MacBook Pro that I placed on my desk, and I also bring it with me when I am out and about. When I am away from the desk, Wi-Fi is sufficient, when I am traveling and the like, but when I need to do real work, and I am at my desk, I have it pugged into wall power, and I connect it directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. I would very much appreciate being able to use the Ethernet cable without a dongle, especially since the RJ-45 connector has a nice latch on it that holds the cable firmly in place when connected. It is too easy for a USB or Thunderbolt dongle to be unplugged by the slightest movement
Apple has already added back an array of ports that were taken away in previous generations of the MacBook Pro, and I am wondering if this is due to the departure of Jony Ive and his obsession with form over function. Appearance is important, absolutely, but if a computer is so beautiful that it removes many features that are desirable for professional users, it will become less functional. Now that the techno people are calling the shots, I am hoping that the Ethernet port will reappear.