I think the confusion is actual owners are continuing to post here. They should post their experiences in the owners thread. Ron and I have to wait till the 6th to even order.... I'll post my order experiences in the owners thread and will post any unboxings that occur between now and then...
I recommend going CASED to start, especially if you aren't on the yearly plan. Protect it and see if you can live without it intermittently. Don't go reckless to start and then regret the scratching that occurs like I did last year. Or try the screen protector at least... I hate em. But if...
I get that not everyone's needs are the same, but I'd counsel anyone thinking about the new iPad Air to consider the pro or waiting for the next pro...
https://daringfireball.net/2020/10/the_2020_ipad_air
Verizon have a lot to prove, will see if they can do it. Apple gave them prime time, so that's a vote of confidence.
https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/13/verizon-finally-launches-5g-nationwide-network-splitting-4g-spectrum/