Most Vim users I talk to have remapped CapsLock or another set of keys to escape, since the escape key is so far away. I personally use `jk` since I rarely write anything with Dutch names.
(1) I can remap Esc of course, but I shouldn't have to.
(2) I also use F1-F12 often. Them being gone and replaced by touch interface is awful for an experienced typist.