If what I read is true, this is actually for the better.
It seems the original miniPCIe slot was was wired in such a way as to be almost unusable, because if anything was plugged in it the 4GB of flash memory soldered on the mainboard were disabled. Apparently it could only be used to replace (not *extend*) the onboard storage, which sounds pretty dumb.

"Modders" actually prefer it the way it is now, because without the connector there is more room left inside the unit to fit additional electronics, and more free power & USB connectors.

By stripping the casing of regular USB gizmos and trimming their innards, it's impressive what some guys have crammed into that space : USB hub plus flash memory plus GPS etc..