I agree that it's not needed if you're able to initiate a mobile hotspot with your phone.
However, i'd welcome the model and don't mind the extra $10 charge to have that built in. If not recurring, even a prepaid data plan would be great to have for those times it's needed.
I'm kinda torn. The inclusion of LTE will only help to bolster sales as built in LTE will allow carriers to offer them at discount on contract or through financing like att next. People may not like the idea of purchasing one at full cost when you can get it at a discount added to your phone plan.
As much as I don't need it, I would buy one with it just to help the product gain more market share. Greater sales = higher demand=better quality apps and support for this thing we love and i'm all for that.