I disagree with removing the Surface Connector port... being a magnetic quick-connect is handy; I never have trouble connecting it without seeing the port. Additionally, the devices that use it are expensive to replace simply to remove a port off the device. Both sides of the tablet have ample room in the design of the SP8 for additional ports if desired on the SP9. Finally I think the design of the port may (this is pontification and not necessarily fact) allow MS to support silent hot-plug scenarios without hearing devices being hooked and dropped all at once off something like the Dock.
However if the compromise was a redesigned port that provided USB4 channels then I would consider it. Even better if they can use the same size and pin count and provide backwards compatibility with older accessories.