I think really the goal was replacing the top row in the first place - the function keys are generally useless except for ancient legacy compatibility, advanced

I think really the goal was replacing the top row in the first place - the function keys are generally useless except for ancient legacy compatibility, advanced user's macros, and media control. But the sides of the function keys are the escape and power keys, so the row itself couldn't go away I wish the Touch Bar was farther offset, 50-100% taller for a better display area, and that the escape and touch id/power buttons were distinct. I also wish there was a standard way for applications to advertise functions for it (I have some really useful tools that are third party, such as mic mute).