>> I knew defining a dongle would bring out the pedants

Some might say your narrow definition of dongle was an attempt at being pedantic.

>> I think the real point is being overlooked here.

The real point being overlooked isn't the dongle issue, or being minimalist. It's a product line diversity issue.

You have to be aware that a lot of people who won't switch away from Mac are doing it because of love of the OS, and not necessarily the love of the hardware itself.

Apple has basically decided to make all of their laptop lines ultrabooks (as is their right).

If you look at all the other companies who make laptops, they have non-ultrabook lines for people who need ports, etc. Apple has chosen not to cater to those people, and those people, whose requirements used to be satisfied by previous iterations of Macbooks, are now complaining.

You do realize that ports are holes right? They make your laptop lighter.

The amount of metal removed from the case is heavier than the connector and PCB traces.

Don't carry around the cables if you don't want to, but your argument is ridiculous.

They do have stuff inside them though, so I'm not suggesting they make it heavier but having the required electronics does take up space that can be otherwise utilised.