I'd like it less without it, unless it's replacement felt like a pro controller but still had the screen.

The gamepad is nice, it's only feels a generation too early due to the expenses of getting a limited handheld into the home console and lack of thoughtout ideas, they should have waited for the next handheld to implement miracast on it. In a handful of games it has been nicely used like NintendoLand/Game&Wario/HyruleWarriors, while in most other cases it's been off-tv which is a shame since the gamepad is tethered to your WiiU room. And things I like such as social browsing or netflix has been undercut by a computer and chromecast.

I've been using Gamepad and wiimotes for the last two years, so it's been my main classic controller. An evolved wiimote+wireless nunchuck that somehow attach for CC games would have been interesting (and of course still compatible with Wii's old controller).

I'm indifferent to the Gamepad when it comes to it's use in games. But it makes the console more expensive for me, so lets just say I'd be more likely to buy it without the Gamepad.

Its vastly preferable to the Pro-Controller for me.

I play nearly every game on the gamepad as I only game whilst I'm on my exercise bike. So handheld stuff only. Imagine how happy I was that both the WiiU and PS4 can be played as handhelds.

I love the gamepad. It works perfect with most games, minus smash.
I just hate that it always has to be on, even when not using it.

I cant go back after the gamepad, not just for gaming possibilities, but also for standalone tablet use. I can watch Youtube on the tv whilst browsing VG Chartz on the gamepad, navigating Miiverse is a doddle, I like to draw using the art academy app, off tv play is the most convenient thing ever and also watching movies on the gamepad is great when my wife is watching crappy soaps. There is much more to having the gamepad than just the gameplay aspects.

I don't think I'd consider the console as much with out it, it adds a number of nice little touches to the console and certain games.

There are certain games for the gamepad. But I normally play with a pro controller. When I play with the gamepad it is basically off screen play.

If there is an option to have a wii u without a gamepad. I think it could attract other gamers of course with the price drop.

That is a hardcore wiimote you've described.  I think it's motion controls make up for the lack of buttons you speak of.  I wouldn't know where to begin learning to press all those buttons with one hand.

On topic, If I had to choose between a Wii U with or without a gamepad, respectively priced, I would buy the one with it.  I have a feeling that Nintendo's next console will be able to support multiple gamepads.  That would be so sweet.