I consider this to be one of their better decisions. With workstation and laptops, you already have higher-precision input devices available that also are less prone to causing fatigue.
For some specialty application I can see the usefulness of digitizer pen input like some Thinkpad X series models (e.g. X220T). But fat-finger touch? What for?
For big movements (getting a window out of the way, viewing media, etc.), anything collaborative, and for anytime the machine is being used in an awkward position (so when not seated comfortably focused on inputting).
Who is advocating for this besides you? Current Apple displays are some of the worst computer displays ever when it comes to fingerprints and grime - they would have to get rid of glass. I have been using an X60 for about five years and have literally used the stylus twice, just to see that it works. My wife is a commercial artist and uses Wacom tablets. If she had wanted a drawable display she would have found some way to trick me into paying for a Cintiq by now. The collaborative thing is a non-market - the last time I used a digital whiteboard was in 2006.
I can see a giant tablet with a desktop stand and keyboard becoming the new PC as a more plausible scenario than the iMac/OS X getting a touch UI.
For some specialty application I can see the usefulness of digitizer pen input like some Thinkpad X series models (e.g. X220T). But fat-finger touch? What for?