I'm not talking about the difference between a mansion and an outhouse here - we're talking subtle differences here - about a bezel that's a couple mm less wide than the previous iteration. Do you REALLY think that makes a difference in your experience with machine?
I can see you getting ready to hunker down for a week long edit of a complicated video, stressing about how you're going to get it all together, how to add you're own flair to it, digging through shots, but then: Every once in a while leaning back in your chair with a self-satisfied look on your face, when you think to yourself 'man, this is great ... the bezel on this iMac is a little thinner than the computer I used a couple years ago'.
REALLY?!?
A couple of points.
1. I'm not saying EVERYONE cares that much, just that some people, including some pros do. In the Pro's case it may not just be they themselves who appreciate it, as other people who use/view the environment.For example if the iMac's in a living room or an area that is often shown to clients in an office, the sleeker it is, the better it blends in/ gives the client a competent high tech image.
2. The other piece of this of course, is that not everyone who buys an iMac is a pro. I've certainly seen iMacs sell on aesthetics alone (and sometimes even go on to be used in Windows sadly because the user couldn't be bothered to learn macOS).
3. I'll be honest, I loved the sleeker design of the 2012-2015 iMacs vs the pre 2012 design. While I'd be willing to trade back some extra thickness for a better GPU, I can definitely see how its a delicate balance.
4. With the iMac I'd imagine that (not an engineer, just guessing), the thickness is a bigger barrier than the bezel.
5. Smaller bezels are really nice. Now that I'm using an actual monitor I realize just how weirdly large the iMac's bezels (and chin) are.
In summery I guess I'll just say that the iMac is, and has always been, an AIO design that puts aesthetics near the top of the priority list. As someone who used to avoid iMacs like the plague before components got small/cool/low TDP enough that they could have decent components, I feel your pain. And I think a lot of the frustration people have with the iMac is the result of both Apple letting the Mac Pro languish, AND not having another desktop slotted between the two (the mythical xMac). It really forces a lot of people into the iMac, for whom, in reality, its not an ideal choice. But expecting it to be/become something its not, and never has been feels like setting yourself up for disappointment IMO
