I used to think the same way you do. The keyboard on the G1 was one of the things I loved about Android. Best keyboard ever goes to the Sidekick, that keyboard was a joy to use.
Ever since the Nexus One I haven't looked back at a keyboarded device. In my opinion I can live without the added bulk. I didn't really enjoy using an onscreen keyboard until I got the Sensation. Its larger screen (4.3) made two thumb typing a lot easier. Two weeks ago I went back to my Nexus One while my new Galaxy Nexus was being shipped and that was cramped.