Yes, You are both right.
User expectations are usually greater than hardwired or simply programmed solution.
I'm writing that from my point and my experience as hardware designer (of mainly battery powered eqipment). If there is ANY compatibility/speed tradeoff compatibility ALWAYS wins the match.
And if you are talking about compatibility You look at the whole device ie. You don't care about wifi driver faster than Your ability of storing/processing data and so on.
I've got Your point but as for g standard - being compatibile doesn't always mean "fulfilin requirements to it's max".