Well, why would any business want to have a standout SKU, and hurt their other SKUs? I guess this could also be a tactic, make one model "best feature/price ratio".
For better or worse, there's not "bang for the buck" iPad model. It really scales linearly. The more you pay, the more you get.
New budget iPad - $450 - Doesn't support Pencil 2. Want that? Upgrade to Air. Weakest processor.
iPad Air - $599 - Support Pencil 2. Weaker screen technology. Mid tier processor.
iPad Pro - $799 - Best of everything (except for MiniLED, which you need the 13" iPad Pro).
It really depends on how much features you can live with.
For better or worse, there's not "bang for the buck" iPad model. It really scales linearly. The more you pay, the more you get.
New budget iPad - $450 - Doesn't support Pencil 2. Want that? Upgrade to Air. Weakest processor. iPad Air - $599 - Support Pencil 2. Weaker screen technology. Mid tier processor. iPad Pro - $799 - Best of everything (except for MiniLED, which you need the 13" iPad Pro).
It really depends on how much features you can live with.