The funny thing is that making the processor more secure would require less work by not implementing a ME.
Demonstrably untrue. Consumers pay a premium for access to the Apple SEP and App Store review/analysis process (Jekyll and XCodeGhost notwithstanding, it's been a major security success)
Consumers have also shown zero intention of paying more for secure devices. Until we have a public ME hack with real consequences, I do not expect that to change.