I've tried to explain that my issues are with how the hardware is changing. There's now no such thing as a "premium" iPad that is less than 10". I feel that this is telling of Apple's intent to focus on laptop functionality over tablet functionality in the future.
If your main gripe is with the price of the iPad Pro just wait until they go on sale or start showing up in Apple's refurb store. The 2017 iPad was created to address falling sales. They had to cost cut somewhere to get to the $329 price point. None of this really points to prioritizing laptop functionality over all else IMO.