I take it you never used the GamePad yourself?
Once you have tried it out there is no looking back. You will want that extra screen. Touch screen, to be precise.
The thing is though that the GamePad already is optional in a lot of third party titles for the more old fashioned gamers. And the main menu can be navigated with a Wii remote.
(Not sure if you can navigate the main menu with a Pro controller, but it wouldn't surprise me if you can.)







