The problem I am facing now with a new Intel core due Mac is that few apps have been rewritten to take advantage of it. When they are, it is often a major release involving lots of $$$ every time to upgrade. 

Whast about pre-emptive software designed to work on systems well into the future ;-)

I am sure Intel is keen for as many apps as possible to make use of their cutting edge technology, so they should really be proactive in getting the app mods available to coincide with chip releases, not the current 18 month lag I experience at present...

Well, that's my 3.1415926 cents worth on this.