The machines released today were obviously in the pipeline long before the most recent wave of Mac backlash, so it's probably a mistake to call them a response in any way.

Still, when Apple spec out their base configs like this, at these prices? I find it hard not to get the message.

The entire line is under-specced by about 50%, or $500 too expensive. Fix that, and I'd still mutter about the Touch Bar, but I'd do it carrying it out of the store. Now? I'll hold off upgrading for at least a few more years.