would that even be considered a gimmick? I mean, its just an improved version of something that has been standard for 20 years.

I can't find a single thing on that list being a gimmick, I'm fucking serious too.

The Switch's battery lasts between 3-6 hours, which is about the same as the 3DS and Vita. If you consider those systems a portable based on battery life then the Switch is also one (though from personal experience I would say you probably need a jacket pocket, because it will not fit in your pant pockets, so maybe slightly less portable...lol).

Supposing cost them 250$ maximum for the switch package(and they could sell regular switch at 250$ without loss), I think they cold sell for 200$ without dock, cables and grip, just the joycon and tablet without loss. And it would put it at new 3DS price point.
I think a home console switch, without joycon(pro controller instead), screen and batery could be at 150$. but notice you wouldnt be able to play arms, 1-2-switch, touch screen games, so i dont think they would do that.
even that they could sell at this price, they wont, because the demand is still high. Seems that Nintendo only diminish the price only if it struggles to sell the expected(unless they low the production cost a lot).

The Joycons are a gimmick.  They've been featured extensively in advertising and even have their own goofy name.  HD Rumble is a gimmick, as it has wierd games centered around it that Nintendo is pushing heavily.  Whether they're the best innovation in the world or crap that will eventually be forgotten doesn't matter.  Nintendo is using them to attract attention.

The rest isn't unto itself, though it could probably be argued that being a hybrid is a gimmick.  That's a matter of perspective, however, and I don't see the point in bothering to argue about it either way. 

it's the games that make me want to buy a system.  It's why I buy Playstation even though I'm not interested in sharing or touchpad controllers.  It's why I'm going to buy a switch even though it'll probably stay docked and played with a pro controller the whole time.

I thought that at first during the reveal too but after I got the Switch, I realised that they just seemed gimmicky on paper, the neon ones at least, pretty standard once you start using them. I'd call them evolutions of what Nintendo has produced so far instead of gimmicks. They are convenient as hell too. I honestly can't see anything truly gimmicky about the Switch after using it for awhile since it's exactly what I envisioned it to be as a hybrid console.

You will undock it, it will happen lol. One way or another. XD

I never really used the tablet mode on WiiU.  I just hate that type of controller and from what I've heard joycons are not even that good.  Too bad their pro controller went to asymetrical sticks but I'd still rather use that and play on a big screen.

There is no rule stating that you have to use the Joycons when you undock it lol.