I have never considered using an external keyboard with a tablet; it would be like putting lipstick on a pig.
I actually use a bluetooth mechanical keyboard with my iPad frequently. Thanks to a nerve problem and RSI, my hands don't tolerate most keyboards (never mind onscreen typing), but the iPad is often the best tool for many tasks, like messaging. (Facebook messenger on iOS is far superior to using the FB website on a computer.)
I totally agree that an iPad is not an ideal content creation device (though iOS 13 improves this), but in some situations it's quite good. I suspect its content creation strong suit is illustration (where the Apple Pencil manages to far exceed the venerable Wacom tablets in responsiveness). It's certainly not long-form text...
I often end up with my computer, iPad, and iPhone around me when working, as I use each to compliment the others. I like to let each tool do its specialty best.