I'm not sure how I would do it otherwise, do you have an idea? The concept is that you can swap for the port you like, if that's USB-C then you have to choose between leaving the adapter slot empty (which you can I guess, even though it's probably awkward to use then), or using said "identity function".

Isn’t your extension cord the epitome of an identity function?

Theirs is exactly that.

You could spare it if you really want and plug your usbc directly in the recessed port, but the function is not mere identity, it actually provides an extension (as in: extends the reach of the usb port) function as well.

Yes, but the recess is also part of the design. My criticism is of the thing as a whole.

Frankly, an actual extension cable would be much more useful.

It's also advertised as if the extended port is the only viable option. It's explicitly recommended to get one for a charging port! Does the charger really not fit in the recessed port?

Again, this is all for a laptop that's explicitly advertised as minimizing e-waste.