I highly disagree. Doubled pixel density and 44% improved color gamut were necessary changes, and I doubt highly that anyone who sees an iPad Retina Display could ever go back to an iPad 1 or 2 display, just as those who saw the iPhone 4's Retina Display couldn't go back to the 3GS.
I understand it's subjective. And I understand it will look better. But not enough to matter to me. My wife has an iPhone 4 and we have a couple of iPod touches so I can compare. And while the iPhone 4 display is nice, the iPod touch display just doesn't bother me.
You are getting more real world power. Your basic assumption here is that the hardware upgrades will be negated by the higher resolution, leaving us with no net gain in performance. Hands-on reports after the keynote contradict this. You're getting better hardware.
I haven't read any such reports(not that I doubt you). And i've read a number of impressions. I'm more likely to chalk it up to wishful thinking. But either way, i'll know soon enough for myself.
Not sure what specific functionality you want that you're missing; just going on your example, apps already have access to the camera, or the 30-pin port, or whatever else they might need. To take things a step further, you now have systemwide Twitter integration, allowing you to do things like tweeting out your current page in Safari.
Apps have access to the camera, but not the camera to the apps. In android or wp7 if I install a 3rd party app of some sort the built in camera app knows these other apps were installed and I can take a picture with the built in camera app and share it directly via 3rd party apps. That's only one example of app integration. The features don't have to be built into the OS like twitter has been to iOS but rather the apps are aware of each other. You also can't select default apps in ios.
It's actually pretty damn nice. Makes the mobile device function like a real desktop computer and I find it very useful. Having owned or currently own iOS, wp7 and android I can tell you there's a pretty massive difference between devices in this regard. Hopefully we'll see something like it in ios6.
The smart cover negates that, IMO. Just rest it on a surface and take a photo. I think the real issue is that most people don't have their iPad in situations where they might want to take photos, while they do have their iPhone.
I don't think it negates it at all. It's still pretty damn awkward. Imagine just holding my iPad above my head while videoing my daughter during a school concert. Awkward indeed. And blocking people's view. I'd use a phone or camcorder for that but not an iPad.
I am also disappointed the new iPad doesn't have siri. Why voice dictation and no siri? Doesn't make sense to me. Not a deal breaker, just thought it was odd.