Earlier quoted context omitted.
TBH not any less excusable since laptops should be tested in a thermal chamber and for a long duration, but PR wise it wasn't this bad. And what's worse it just hints a deeper issues, the 6/6plus bendgate and the more recent display gate were kinda meh, now this line which not only had some questionable design choices but also has multiple hardware issues. Things just seem to be broken.
Usually the predictable venom comes from Apple haters, but with this particular release, a lot of the venom has actually come from Apple lovers, which is what makes this particular release so noteworthy in my opinion.
Technically, the 12" MacBook was worse than the MBP refresh in every way: Only one USB-C port, extremely underpowered, flimsy keyboard. Commenters everywhere ridiculed it, but it was obviously an "optional" product. So what, Apple often releases things that are too far ahead of the curve for most people. (Voice-controlled iPod shuffle, anyone?)
But by calling it the new MacBook Pro, they've pretty much guaranteed that none of its laptops will ever be thicker again, or come with "older" ports, or with a traditional keyboard. They've put upper limits on all its laptops now. It's not that I am disinterested in the 2016 release. I also can't imagine how the 2017-2019 releases could possibly appeal to me, unless they surprise us with a MacBook Pro SE.
This is not like the disappointing 2014 Mac mini, which Apple can fix overnight just by updating the parts. knocks on wood...