Not a generation behind. Kaby Lake is still not available in the configurations these machines need. And even if they were, speed is comparable since the main improvement in KL is going to be video support.

Graphics are not only for gaming. Id say the Radeon cards they choose seem reasonable for the Macbook Pro line, pending further testing.

Lots of "etc": Much better sound, larger and more comfortable trackpad, faster memory and SSD, jump to Thunderbolt 3, better microphones...

Argue away, I think TouchBar is far from being a gimmick.