Re: This is good.
"I'm already somewhat annoyed by the use of 5v on a micro USB port"
well the 40-pin connector has power input points on it. But as I recall it uses a linear regulator for the 3.3v (which is simpler overall, and a smaller footprint than a switcher) but NOT ideal for battery operation.
[I guess newer Pi's use switchers and different configs than the earlier ones, though... making this impossible without supplying 5v and not just 3.3v]
Specifically for IOT they may need to re-think the use of the 5V rail and enable you to turn OFF various things (like ethernet) programatically to reduce power. And turn off 'video core' too, when it's not wanted/needed. [boot into a GUI for IoT? no. just no]
Biting the hand that feeds IT
