I don't but I'm not glued to it either. It fits in suit pockets (or coat pockets in the winter) just fine. Else, it occupies a hand or I just tuck it under an arm. However, I'm quick to leave it in the car in social situations as I don't want to be semi-present around others anyway.
I've NEVER held it up to my ear for a call. Since it doubles as phone, I always have buds or similar with me. If they happened to be unexpectedly dead/lost, I'd just let a call go to voice mail and call back later... or text back immediately.
I started doing this with iPad 2 and now 6. The impetus is that it fully scratches the telephony itch well enough without the enormous (relative) cost. The hardware costs less than iPhone, generally lasts longer than iPhone and 5G data costs substantially less on it than 5G phone service (I average $25 per YEAR). While I can easily afford the cost of iPhone and iPhone service and the "long in tooth" effect driving iPhone upgrades more frequently, I'd rather keep all that spare money in my pocket... or put it towards other Apple goodies.
In over 30 years of adult life, I've never had to call 911 ONE time. And I believe that is true for most people. However, if I needed to do so, there is E911, which is not quite the same but not far off. I also have my local emergency services setup for the equivalent of speed dial, so push one button instead of 3 if local. I also assume another participant in a 911 scenario... so unless the accident is really me alone, the other party will likely be able to dial it (too) and/or anyone else witnessing the event.
Are there negatives? YES. iPad is not as pocketable, cameras are not as good, while it has ApplePay I can't use it for tap payments, it doesn't set up a Watch (but I choose not to have Watch), it doesn't run CarPlay (even though it is apparently in iPad OS- just not active), no satt emergency, no vibrate mode, etc.
On the other hand, I buy a new one about every 4 generations (or about every 8 years) for less cost than a single new iPhone. I pay $25/yr for 5G ultra cell service. Nobody on the other end can tell I'm using an iPad instead of an iPhone. Paired with the Obihai device, my entire home's phone system works with the same number and free local & long distance in North America (including Alarm system and- while fading fast- the option to fax too). All apps generally function better- IMO- on a bigger screen.
Definitely not for everyone... but nothing tech is for everyone.