I've read all the arguments pro-notch, that you won't notice, and that it doesn't take up screen real estate, and so on. But still, the design compromise bothers me; hiding a camera such that the aesthetic geometry isn't distorted feels wrong and fake, and something not here to stay for long, just as you say. Why not implement a mechanical flip-out camera holder? Helps with perceived big brother effect, too.

Btw, is the mandatory touch bar thingy back? That would be a step back in my book.