I'm hoping the legislation doesn't forbid dual charging ports, where the device has usb charging which works as well as it can, and then a proper charging port. My current laptop has that configuration.
Because there's also the issue of durability. A barrel power connector can freely rotate which can absorb a lot of stress when the laptop is moved around. I think a usb-c cable that's used the same way would fail a lot sooner, especially with all the delicate wiring it has in comparison.
Come on now, give him some credit. He waited a whole few days before completely going back on his words.