OT - "Soft" ESC key on the new MacBook Pro

[Skip Montanaro]

I know this isn't a Python-specific question, but i got zero useful
responses from the help-gnu-emacs list for some reason. I think this
expression should not evaluate to the empty set:

set(python_programmers) & set(emacs_users) & set(new_macbookpro_owners)

Hopefully there are a few people out there who've had an opportunity to try
the new ESC-less Pros with the Touch Bar for an extended period of time.
Does the lack of a physical ESC key create problems for people, especially
Emacs users?

Just to head off a couple suggestions people might be inclined to make...
Yes, I know I can use C-[ or the Alt key instead of ESC. I can remap other
keys like Caps Lock or the back tick. I can also buy some other laptop with
a true ESC key, or buy a 13-inch MBP sans Touch Bar. I do plan to try out
Emacs on a Touch-Bar-equipped MacBook Pro at the Apple Store, but a few
minutes horsing around in the din of holiday shopping isn't the same as an
extended test drive in my usual environment.

So, for those of you who've tried it, does the lack of a physical ESC key
create problems?

Thx,

Skip