Yeah, the macpro probably has better margins. But the mini is a much better gateway for switchers. Of course, with all the good press and momentum lately, Apple may conclude that they don't need the mini as a gateway anymore. I hope not, I love my mini, best Apple TV I ever had.
I've just had a look at three of the larger stores
near me and none of them have the Mini, when
previously they had. Indeed one of them doesn't
even have it on display anymore.
Your "switchers" point I concur with.
I bought a Mini when I moved from Windows
and it suits me fine. I don't *need* anything
more powerful or bigger. It's small enough to
be portable (don't want a laptop - had one,
wasn't mad about it, never used it outdoors)
and the price point is *almost* right - it's maybe
a little overpriced considering the original Mini
was cheaper than the current ones.
I think Apple would be making a mistake if they
stopped manufacturing an entry level, basic Mac.
I was a Windows user and the Mini appealed
to me and that perhaps is key to it all.