In theory, eSIMs actually make life easier in that scenario.

Easier to get online in a new country if you don’t have to first seek out a physical SIM card. Plus you keep your home SIM secure in the phone where there’s no danger of losing it.

Instead, just get on WiFi when you arrive, take your pick of cheap offers, and download the eSIM directly to your phone.

> ”I couldn't imagine them jumping on the esim train in any useful way in the near term.”

Depends on the country. Thailand, for example, is very eSIM friendly. But there’s plenty of “developed” countries in Europe where eSIMs are almost unheard of.