Apple actually recognized that price is the issue.

By lowering the price of all the dongles shortly after launch, they confirmed that they may have underestimated how price sensitive their "Pro" market has become.

Mostly because the Pro market now encompasses everyone wanting to upgrade their lower-end MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs. Because there's no upgrade path for these users at the moment (other than the iPad Pro which is a non starter for so many reasons).

A new, 13" MacBook would be a good step towards bridging the gap, and providing an upgrade path for everyone else.