I am not entirely sure what any of this has to do with a Note 9. They are different phones. Apple would have to increase the size of the phone to get the same amount of usable screen real estate if they eliminated the notch. The status bar has to go somewhere. The front facing sensors have to go somewhere. Apple chose to place them side-by-side along the top of the phone instead of making what is already a tall skinny phone even taller or losing usable screen real estate. If the status bar takes up a few millimeters at the top of the screen, those few millimeters aren't really usable in the majority of usage. The only exception would be full screen video and photos, which comprise a small portion of most people's usage.
Judging by your replies, you have not used a X-style device. As I said before, it seems the majority who do find the notch a total non-issue, myself included. I suggest trying one on a daily basis, or maybe spring for that Note 9.