I expected to see more complaints like yours. In reality, Jobs answered this when the MBP and MB were updated. Jobs said that the Nvidia GPU offered such a better overall Mac experience, that it wasn't worth it to stick users with Core i-series CPUs and integrated Intel IGPs.
I am welcoming another C2D along with Nvidia 320m GPU. We're getting 2X the GPU performance vs. losing 1/2 to 2/3 by going with Intel's IGP and only gaining about 20% in CPU performance. We are better off this route whether people think it or not, in MY opinion. Intel is so good with its marketing that it makes people think the only way to improve their computer is with a faster CPU. In reality, it's the GPU, NAND Flash over SSD, software like instant on, and etc that make the computer faster for the average user.
I would say we have learned a few things where the MBP is going too. I suspect with the recovery moving to an SD card, that Apple will eliminate the optical drive completely with future Mac notebook updates. The other Mac notebooks will probably get the wedge shape when eliminating the optical drive. The next Mac notebooks will probably have the NAND Flash and an optical drive too to get 128 GB where main OS and apps are stored. Lots of great innovation today.