Could also be the sensor, smack bang in between the batteries and where you’d want the port… they should’ve just redesigned it, but they probably thought everybody should go trackpad so why bother
The design hasn’t changed since it was AA batteries; it was not designed with the rechargeable battery pack in mind.
The worst you can say really is that it was a lazy upgrade, which is totally valid.
My guess is they didn’t want to redesign the top surface for aesthetics or charitably, perhaps technical reasons to do with the combo touch / click area at the front, and the front is the only place you’d want a port.
Apple Music ymmv, I have lots of mp3 with iTunes match that’s why I use it, but if you don’t, Spotify is clearly the better algorithmic music suggestion service
Podcasts are probably better in Overcast etc.
FaceTime / Messages is fine for apples to apples, but you’ll need other messaging apps obvs
Carrot Weather is better than Apple Weather, shame about Dark Sky
Calculator is bested by PCalc
Arguments can definitely be made against Logic and Final Cut
Apple News is pain
On that note, even with the highest tier of iCloud, it’s probably not worth it to do Apple One until your are actually spending over that much on things you actually want. Apple TV for example is easy to binge through every few months.
Kindle is cheaper than iBooks
Fantastical is a great calendar replacement
Obsidian is great if you’re a Notes power-user
Apples to keep:
iCloud and keychain are probably the best if you’re all-Apple, but back up elsewhere or consider other cloud storage solutions and 1Password. Definitely sign up for lowest tier iCloud as it unlocks a lot of functionality.
I prefer iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) to ms office
See Apple Music above if you have your own mp3s or old iTunes purchases
iCloud Photo Library is getting better and is very convenient
Find My is great if you have AirTags, use it all the time on my keys
That’s all I can think of rn! Personally I go for rational functionality over philosophy as I think that’s a trap! They’re just computers, don’t not use stuff based on principle if it works the best, but also don’t get sucked in by the hype, they make it as easy as possible to eat all your money!