Don't forget you can now plug your airpods into the phone instead of needing a charger.
I will greatly miss the SD slot and headphone jack...
One can charge a range of devices, including other iPads from a USB-C iPad. One can even change the charge direction between the two devices.
Charging on these devices is independent from data access. The user is prompted to allow data access which requires authorisation.
I don't want more cycles on a battery that isn't user serviceable
It seems unlikely that people will routinely charge their AirPods from their phone when they could just as easily use the same charger that they just charged up their phone with.
its like 30 minute job, maybe less for pros
p.s. if you don't like the feature - don't use it!