I agree with many points, except the smaller compose window.
1) It's done so you can search your email while typing a reply, maybe find some info and copy/paste it. It's extremely useful.
2) You don't tons of horizontal space to write an email (except for embedded photos). Vertical space scrolls.
3) I'd actually argue that short emails are better than long ones. Learn how to write succinctly, to the point, and there are more chances it will be read.
4) Get a high res display if you need more screen space. 1080p displays are dirt cheap.
It is a useful improvement and I do like it, but sometimes I can't help but look at my screen and notice I have a window manager, which contains a web browser window, which contains tabbed windows, one of which contains gmail which now has it's own little mini window system and think that it's all a little crazy
I have to agree with point #1. I hated the small compose window until I realized I can minimize it, browse/search my Gmail and then return to finish.
I can't say I agree with your other points. Sometimes, you need to write a long email and there's no way around it. an email provider should not be trying to re-invent how people use email, they should embrace how people use email and make it better.
1) It's done so you can search your email while typing a reply, maybe find some info and copy/paste it. It's extremely useful.
2) You don't tons of horizontal space to write an email (except for embedded photos). Vertical space scrolls.
3) I'd actually argue that short emails are better than long ones. Learn how to write succinctly, to the point, and there are more chances it will be read.
4) Get a high res display if you need more screen space. 1080p displays are dirt cheap.