Yes, that is actually pretty ridiculous, to release one iPad and 6 months later one that is 2x as fast. Would feel like a total burn had I bought one. Plus the iPad mini as an option that is two new iPads when people just spent several hundred dollars months ago and not only didn't have the options, they didn't even have the information about something coming (speculation on the mini only).
Now considering the iPad mini (7.9") starts at $329 (up to $659!) and the iPad 4 starts at $499 (up to $899), I'd say that puts the Surface RT is in a pretty good position. The Surface Pro should compare favorably to the higher price iPads which is great considering it is as much laptop as tablet.
Also, if I can take a try at reading between the lines, Apple is feeling threatened by the potential of the Surface and Windows 8, making their announcements today and with per-orders going live on October 26. Coincidence? If they weren't worried there is no way those dates line up.