They could always just start selling the gamepad seperately with Nintendo Land bundled with it.

Can't. The GamePad is integrated directly into the OS itself.

The OS, UI, dozens of games and apps are built upon the GamePad integration.

The 3DS to 2DS situation doesn't compare because the 3DS already had the ability to fully function 100% with the 3D turned off via the slider. Essentially, the 2DS is a functional 3DS with the slider all the way down. You can't just turn down your GamePad to off.

But right now, their user base is tiny. I don't think it would really matter in the long run. If selling the console with a pro controller for $199.99 would push the console, I think you do that.

Sony can make a PS4 without 8GB DDR5 too or without Gaikai or withput PSN
MS could make a X1 without Live or without a Kinect

If sales continue to not meet their expectations, I think they'll eventually release a SKU without it.

I don't honestly see why Nintendo fans get so emotional over this being raised. The gamepad is a dud as far as being something that moves systems, even most of the hardcore Nintendo fans admit this.

A $199.99 Wiimote-only bundle with Wii Sports Club could at least maybe get some extra people to bite on the machine as a secondary/party "Wii 2".

If Nintendo could release a 2DS and ditch the 3D entirely, I would not rule anything out.

I think that would be a stupid move. Sorry it would be. It would be like Sony dropping ever feature from the PS and Vita except for basic controls. Do you ask for Rumble to be dropped because it adds nothing and would be cheaper? PS4/ would be cheaper if the touchpad wasn't in it, and it adds nothing to games is that also something you want dropped?
Without the Game pad some games wouldn't work as they are now. I wouldn't be able to watch youtube while surfing websites. Off TV play would be lost. asymmetrical game play would be lost. It would limit new game play ideas. I want more than just prettier graphics.
You want them to drop the one thing that makes them unique that the other 2 do not have. It comes off as you want them to drop it so they no longer have an advantage over PS.

Exactly. You dont drop what makes you unique in order to be a "me too" console.

Its almost like saying I dont want to buy a PS4 until Sony drops the left analog stick in controllers to make it cheaper.

Yes dropping an important feature of a console is a great way to encourage sales. Just look at the boost PSP go got by dropping UMDs. It became number 1 over night and spurred confidence in the platform as well. /s

Except NSMBU, Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, Pikmin 3, DKC: Tropical Freeze, are all perfectly playable without it. 

All you're doing by sticking to it is forcing a high price SKU. Lets face it ... Nintendo screwed up with this console in multitudes of ways, but if they could offer a cheap option for people that strictly just want a "Wii 2" and to play Mario Kart 8/Wii Sports/Mario 3D World as their secondary console for cheap ... better to have those customers than to not have them. 

Beggars can't be choosers, Nintendo needs every console customer they can get. 

The PSP Go isn't a valid comparable because disc games weren't playable on it and it was more expensive than the regular PSP.