Then don't buy one or at the very least don't bring the touch with you. You don't have to bring your touch with you to work. Just leave it at home or in your car. The iPhone has always had a camera. They never give you the option. As you said it's take it or leave it.
And how exactly would it add to the cost? For 299 you can get a 32gb iphone.
Same price you can get the 32GB touch.
In the end quit complaining about a silly camera. Apple is not making the touch just for you.
The same could be said of you. Bring a small digital camera along or bring a cell phone if you need a camera. Apple is not making the touch just for you.