Interesting - as I find myself leaving the laptop in the laptop bag more and more for my now somewhat aged iPad Air 2. I can do MOST mobile stuff I need to do, all with access to the files I use most often (iCloud and dropbox). I have a case with a wireless keyboard too, but I don't even tote it around so much any more - though if I had to be away from my MacBook Pro for an extended time, and would need to do more intensive work on the iPad - I would use that case. I use to feel somewhat like you posted - thinking a tablet was primarily good for media consumption - games, movies, etc. Boy was I wrong.
I bout an iPad 2 air when then came out with a case and wireless keyboard with the full intent of using it for work.... Tried to integrate it into my work day for 2 months. It sits there only being used once in a blue moon...
Biggest waste of money I’ve ever spent work related, and not for lack of trying.
I know there are situations and use cases for the tablets but for the overwhelming majority of folks, it’s only use case is media cumsumption, so there is little argument to justify spending a lot on one, if owning one at all.