their design is a serious mistake that makes me question the vision behind the entire operation
IMHO, you're in the weeds about the vision of this device, the true disruptive potential doesn't have to do with out-designing Apple.
I also got to see a few of these throughout the weekend...there are ~15,000+ and they are unlocked. If Google goes to market (direct-to-consumer), priced above true cost & free from contract - instead of the absolute BS games that wireless providers have been stringing out - that is seriously disrupting the market.
To be honest, buttons are the last thing I would be worried about if Google turns the market on it's head. That said, they might, they might not, but the possibility has me curious until the actual release.