I first had my iPad Pro 11" M1, then "downgraded" to iPad Mini 6, then "upgraded" to iPad Pro 12.9" M2. Time will tell, but so far I'm happy with the 12.9".
I'm probably in the minority here that I don't like Macs (I used to love it in 2008-2015, when it was still Intel-based because I need Excel and AAA gaming). I am firmly in the Windows space now, my company-issued laptop is a ThinkPad and at home I have a gaming laptop (ASUS Zephyrus G15). Therefore, I don't know the feeling that "12.9-inch is too heavy, at that point you might as well use the MBA or MBP 14-inch" because I don't use and don't have Macs. I leave my company laptop at the office, my gaming laptop at home, and I carry the iPad Pro 12.9" with me (everyday carry/daily driver).
Some people praise the 11" for its portability, but I don't personally feel it. To carry the iPad Pro, you'll need a bag anyways (it's not like the iPad Mini 6 which can fit in some of my jackets' pockets), and I don't feel the mere 300g difference between 3.1lbs/1.4kg and 2.3lbs/1.1kg. Some people may say that the 12.9" is too heavy to use handheld, but I'd say that the same could be said for 11". If you intend to use iPad purely as a tablet, get the iPad Mini 6, I can hold for hours without feeling fatigue in my arms. So the 11" to me is a jack of all trades, master of none, it's not as portable as the Mini (pocketable, comfy to use one handed), but it's not as enjoyable to use as the 12.9" as a laptop replacement (small screen so I need to lean forward, cramped Magic Keyboard, etc.)