Yes, I totally agree. I much prefer touchbar volume slider to physical keys, because you get near-instant granular level selection over large range as opposed to multiple key presses required with courser increments to move to a certain level.

I probably use this feature 10-20 times a day, and it would be a noticeable irritation for me if it was key based. I am disappointed they're dropping the touchbar in upcoming M1x/M2 macbooks, I would definitely have preferred a touchbar. Apple, are you seeing this?