If you wanted the MAC operating system, would it not have been more sensible to try a MAC Book first?
I'm not who you asked, but may serve as an example case. I have an 11" M2 iPad Pro, a 12" 2017 MacBook and an iMac. I like iOS on the iPad Pro fine. I wish the iPad could run Mac apps, though. Not use MacOS broadly, just run the apps when I want/need to.
I like the portability of iPad, the clean form factor and ease of use. I have it in an Otterbox Defender series protective case; on the rare occasion I care to use a keyboard, I use a wireless Bluetooth keyboard.
For the past few years (since Quicken went to subscription only), I've used Splasm Software's CheckBook Pro for my checkbook register needs on my iMac. When traveling, I took both iPad Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and MacBook, because I didn't want to have to catch up on entering transactions when I got home and CheckBook Pro has no iOS client.
I just dropped over 65 bucks to switch to Moneydance, which is on MacOS, iPhone OS, iPad OS, Android, Windows and Linux. It took multiple session onerous online research pouring through varied options to track down something with the 'check register look,' syncable between devices, well-rated, no subscription required for syncing, etc... So far, so good. I can even enter transactions from my iPhone.
If the iPad platform could run Mac apps, I could've saved over $65 (and the hassle of migrating data to the new app) and stuck with a product I'd already paid for and was content with.
I suspect many iPad users aren't out to mainly use their iPad as a MacBook, but would like the option to occasionally run an app or two when traveling, etc..., without packing a MacBook Air or Pro along. Either because an app isn't available on iOS, or the Mac version has richer features, etc...
After all, there's so much focus on what MacBook products can do that iPads can't, but the reverse is true, too. The ergonomics and touch interface rock for some tasks (e.g.: playing Hungry Shark World in the bathroom).