The problem with the TouchBar is that it disrupt the flow of attention towards the keys. The cool thing about having just ONE screen is that you can forget about looking your fingers because the content is fixed (not dynamic) and therefore can be internalized. The TB doesn't solve any problem, and by the way, it created a UX's hiccup because:
Attention is limited.
Focus is limited.
Flow is limited.
Agreed but let's also give credit to Apple for trying to innovate. The TouchBar wasn't a bad idea just that it probably wasn't tested thoroughly with all types of users. It more seems like a "I think everyone's going to love it" kind of a designer's idea. Anyway, would happily buy a model without it.
Yup, they tried. It's not something to blame them for but I don't think it was a good idea to have a dynamic touch screen at your fingers when you're supposed to be watching your screen to interface. The TouchBar breaks everything about Typing that has existed for decades now.
Attention is limited. Focus is limited. Flow is limited.
Don't break that Apple.