You're right about the d-pad's quality but I disagree with your sentiment that it is better off without one at all.

I'm not a huge gamer but the dpad helped a LOT for me to simply reach into my pocket and pause my podcasts (rewind, fast-forward and so on) as I'm walking along. I REALLY appreciated it for lots of moments when I needed a d-pad despite the fact that I wish they had an improved one.

That's why I'm HAPPY to see what is effectively an internet tablet with a GOOD dpad and buttons.. and even better, EXCELLENT array of them with excellent placement.