After watching the AppleInsider video & reading some comments in the i7 throttling thread, I've noticed something. No matter which of the three processors you have, the system always settles at 2.2-2.6GHz. If I remember correctly, all of these processors are the exact same silicon. But during testing, the ones that perform better get a fancier name (i9 or i7 2.6GHz), whereas the ones that fail at higher speeds quicker get the lower names. If that is the case, then it's logical that they all settle at the same speed. When the limitation is the cooling system and Apple's use of the fans, then all of them ramp up to their turbo speeds, then they need to ramp down because of thermal constraints and end up in the same thermally limited zone.
If you're doing stress tests, then that's the behaviour you should see. In real life, though, many users will have bursts of activity mixed with calm periods. In those situations, the higher spec'ed processors could give an overall benefit.
Still disappointing, though, this whole situation. I'm convinced that it's fall-out of Intel's failure to deliver lower TDP processors because of their 10nm problems. If Apple banked on that aggressively when designing their 2016 ultra thin chassis, then they're the victim now. Tough luck for us, and tough luck for Apple because they get beat up in forums and in reviews and they are stuck with Intel without a quick way out.
Do note that I am describing the situation with the current MBP chassis. I have heard enough whining about how Apple should not have gone so thin. Fine. I understand many people think that here. But it's not the situation at the moment so it's not relevant.
