[Jtsummers]

I would like both the touch bar AND the function keys, but the touch bar will be more versatile than just OLED/e-ink displays on top of keys. You can actually use it as a slider. You get more surface area to display controls. You can offer something more than just a symbol for the controls. I don't know how well it'll work (none of us do, it's not shipped and reviewed yet, not fully at least). But the potential for many applications is there.

[bitL]

As an addition to Fxy keys I am fine with it. Replacing Fxy keys like what Lenovo did to their X1 Carbons with their "Adaptive keyboard" ended up angering too many developers (though to be honest it was also Windows/Lenovo SW issue as you had to do some registry hacks to add apps that were supposed to use active keyboard and this ended up super inconsistent). Also, some people say touch bar is a poor man's touchscreen as by adding touchscreen you won't need a touch bar and it would be more flexible (though I prefer my screen without fingerprints everywhere).

[Jtsummers]

Well, even adding a touch screen still requires a redesign of applications. Buttons need to be larger, interfaces need to be designed for touch screen. macOS isn't targeted towards that (yet, I feel Apple's anti-PC touchscreen statements are too strong as it's an inevitable development). Consequently, the interface would be, alien. I've used Windows tablets (Windows 7), with a pen input device. It works, but it's awkward. Even if they'd had an iPad-quality capacitive input for fingers, with non-touch screen apps it would still be awkward. That's the same experience I'd anticipate using a touch screen with today's macOS and apps.

They need to layout a roadmap for this development, rather than dropping the hardware in without the software to support it. Chicken and egg problem.