I really think RIM will be coming out with a touch screen BB soon! Touch screen is new technology and if RIM does come out with one I don't think it will take anything away from what a BB already does but would add to its already great features. I know some people turn their noses up at the idea of touch screen because "it's so difficult to type" but for those of us with skinny fingers it would be a great feature to have.
And by no means do I think Apple is trying to take anything away from RIM. They both have their own markets and both do very well in their industry.