If I didn't need 15" this is exactly what I would have done - I actually like the 2016 MBP 15", but the touchbar is utterly useless and a regression from having a physical escape key.
I honestly don't know how you (the article author) could have a problem with the touchpad though - it's an improvement in every regard. Quite happy to do away with the mechanical bits there for better reliability, and it's very difficult for me to feel a difference. One of the better parts of the laptop to be sure.
USB-C is fine - with the large caveat of Apple fucked the rollout up horribly - things like not shipping reliable working HDMI<->USB-C adapters at launch date are inexcusable. After those initial pains though, USB-C is amazing for portability - I'm always near a charger now, and my 15W phone chargers I have in every room of the house do fine to either charge it overnight or simply not lose battery life while working.
I can certainly wish there was integrated HDMI and USB-A, but then again I also don't miss those that often after getting a dock for work.
My largest complaints are the regressions in battery size from the 2015 15" rMBP, the keyboard, and the stupid and utterly useless Touchbar I was forced to pay for. That and the corresponding lack of ESC key. I do however love the Touch ID - and won't buy another laptop without something like it.
If the next MBP doesn't come with a physical escape key I plan on seriously attempting to make Linux work again if the hardware is out there to do so.