I've used the trackpads a ton and strongly disagree. It makes games like Civ VI, Magic Arena, etc. very playable on Steam Deck. They are EXTREMELY handy for older games not designed around a controller on PC like for example Morrowind. The UI there was always designed with a mouse in mind and having the trackpads act as a mouse is far superior to clunky analog stick movement. You can also use them as a "virtual numpad" type thing which is great for older FPS where weapon selection is dependent on number keys. They are insanely versatile and for any game that wasn't explicitly designed with an Xbox pad in mind amazing.

The touchscreen can go though.