Isn't this old news? I thought the lack of an ethernet port had been discovered months ago?
Anyway, I don't like the decision. Whereas cross-game chat and achievements are superfluous at best, an ethernet port has actual utility. But it sounds like there are options out there -- a quick Google search revealed a Wii ethernet adapter for $15.
I paid an arm and a leg for my Xbox wireless adapter, so I can deal with paying a little extra for the option to make a wired connection with the Wii U.