That's the crux of the matter I feel, I truly loathe "thumb computing", therefore the phone is only used for 2FA, calls, payment and the odd text.
Therefore the size of the device being minimal is truly appreciated and the drawbacks are none since my main device is another.
But I do believe that we exist as a minority and a minimally revenue generating minority that is ... most important in the apple's eyes.
I also loathe "thumb computing" and always feel like I can type faster on a real keyboard over glass, no matter whatever crutches, like QuickPath, that they make available.
That being said, I also suspect the real problem is the inflated prices of smartphones. A lot of people are choosing large, unwieldy Pro Max phones because of the high price of these electronics nowadays. They can afford to get one "jack of all trades, master of none" phablet, especially with carriers throwing $800+ promotions around, but can't justify or afford to have a laptop or tablet for other computing tasks. Thus, Apple and the carriers continue perpetuating this money-printing machine, pumping out new devices with ever-increasing MSRP prices, and carriers continue extending promotions so that in order to receive the total promotion you are bound to keep paying said carrier for one of their expensive premium plans for
24 30 36 months.
Those of us who compute the "old fashioned" way, with a laptop for typing, word processing, and longer form tasks; then only use a smartphone for quick, on-the-go tasks are likely a minority nowadays. Personally, I don't understand the value in a 6.7" screen versus a 6.1" or 5.4" on a phone. They're all small screens for extended use. To me, the value in the smartphone is its portable size and comfortable weight. I check notifications, tap out a message, or take a call; then put it away. If I'm watching a TV show or movie, I'm doing that with a TV (or a tablet if I'm traveling). If I'm paying bills, I'm doing that on a laptop.
