I just can't see how this would be anything other than very annoying to use. It would have to work flawlessly to not be.
Not trying to sound like a fanboy, but simply saying I think Apple's recent track record has proven they're pretty good at releasing products that work flawlessly.
Heck, this could have been the simple reason Siri (now Assistant) was acquired way back in 2008 and is only now coming to light in an iPhone. Jobs may have simply held it back to meet your expectations of him.
I thought that Siri was acquired by Apple in 2010.