There are a lot of limiting factors when you're trying to use an iPad as a general purpose computer, even in a task as seemingly simple as applying for a job. Try for instance visiting a web site to submit your amazing PDF resume. Maybe that's easier now with extensible share sheets, but when my wife was looking for work two years ago she was constantly having to use my MBP.
This is what I was hitting at, you hit the nail on the head. It's not useful as a general purpose computer, which is why I don't get what it's trying to be. Why have two (three, really - an iPad, iPhone, and a computer) devices when you really only need one (well, two, I don't see any larger tablet replacing a phone) ?
I want to have a computer that can be a tablet when I want to sit in front of the TV and browse the web, and a computer when I need it. I don't think that's too ridiculous a request - the Surface does all that. Why can't Apple?
The answer, I guess, is that I'm not the target demographic here. As you said, for working groups that only stay in one app, this is the way to go. For simple end users, it makes sense. I'd disagree on the execs - the biggest questions I get is "How do I get to my network drives?" "How do I download a file?" "Where the heck did that Word doc go?" "Why can't I see the doc in this app when I browse for a file in this other app?" etc...all of which would be resolved if there was an option for it to have Finder, I would think. And as far as the iPad, I get it - these type of users weren't what it was designed for, originally. I don't get it when they made it the iPad Pro, because they're trying to do all the stuff Surface does but still limiting it's functionality so dramatically.
They cynic tells me it's so that Apple can sell more devices. Oh yeah, you have an iPhone already but you need an iWatch too (another device I just don't think I'm the target demo for - are we really so lazy we can't pull a phone out of our pockets?). And you need an iPad when you need a little more functionality than just your Phone, but if you also need to do general computing, then you also need a MacBook. Oh, and of course, you need an AppleTV too.
Of course, every company's job is to sell you a product, so I'm not faulting them for it. Obviously Microsoft would love to sell you their fit bit-thing (can't recall the name of it), an Xbox, etc. I just feel like I can get by with an iPhone and a Surface and not need anything else...I'd love to give Apple my money here, but it just doesn't make sense for me personally.
I have yet to see an argument that the iPad Pro wouldn't be BETTER with a better OS with more functionality. Or at least, the option of it.
(BTW, I'm just talking, not trying to start a fight or anything
)
