xiao-zhi

I seriously doubt this. TikTok does not bring anything to the table Apple needs and there is no branding opportunity. 

Calm-down. Apple is generally secretive so speculation by the public and press is natural, including by AppleInsider and it’s readers.

The tendency of AppleInsider to zealously defend Apple at all costs doesn’t do much for your own credibility and objectivity although it does make good click-bait I suppose.

Autodesk always does what is easiest for them and enables the maximum licensing fees from locked-in customers.

I have run Autocad for 30!years, this has always been the case.

Since a majority of their market is now Windows (except some architects and product designers) expect them to do the minimum to support MacOS.

Complaining is futile. Accept what they offer or go elsewhere.

Pro: Faster charging, fewer adaptors, more choice of accessories 
Con: Lighting male end is more robust, all the existing docs, cables, etc.

From my viewpoint, the change doesn’t offer a significant advantage for the use case so would be a nuisance. 

I’d be interested in knowing what additional benefits it might have for iPad, however, because the use case is more similar to PCs.

No Apple Care+ and no case? What were you thinking?
After waiting for the (product) RED iP8+, to compare with the iPX, I chose a silver iPX with RED silicone cover.
I really liked the looks of the (product) RED phone, but after side-by-side use comparison, I chose the X for the reason you stated - iP8+ seems dated in comparison.
I agree with your advice; if people can wait for the next cycle, do it, but if you need a phone now take the X.
After just a couple of days of use, I’m totally adjusted to the be gestures and have no problems toggling between the X and my old SE.
X is great. Totally satisfied. Best ever.