I suppose it's a matter of perspective, having the two orientations in adjacent pairs of rows is functionally equivalent to quad pixel – the alternating orientations are separated by 12 µm on the sensor. Canon has three major patents (and other minor ones) in this space. Quad pixel is likely the most technically difficult to implement. They also had a 'dual cross-type' AF patent (reminiscent of the old dual-cross center points, or column of five, on PDAF sensors), that one also used dual pixels, but the splits were four orientations (horizontal like regular DPAF, vertical like the R1 adds, and also both diagonals).
Incidentally, if you 'know exactly how the AF works' then why did you state, AF is basically the same hardware wise. Just more firmware stuff...? Because that statement makes it clear that you had no idea how the AF works. Rewriting history is hard when it's right there on the page.
I'm not anti-resolution, by any means. I know the resolution I need, and that's what I need. I have ample focal length available, out to 1200mm f/8 with very good IQ, and my 'distance' shooting is typically at 840mm f/5.6. Any more 'reach' provided by smaller pixels at that point becomes moot due to the effects of atmosphere and diffraction.
I see. So my opinion that higher resolution isn't all that useful (to me) is not a fact. But your opinion that higher resolution makes a big difference for professionals is a fact. LOL. No, that's not how it works.
I have not and do not suggest that my needs represent those of anyone but me. When I state that I don't need more than 24 MP, I am not saying that no one does. What you are doing is suggesting that because you personally need/want more than 24 MP, a majority of others do, as well. You are entitled to your opinions, not to your own facts. Some people truly cannot grasp that opinions ≠ facts, and/or would not know a fact if it bit them on the butt. One need look no further than politics to see that in action.
Who do you think is more likely to know what most 'people who use top of the line glass with the best techniques and spend the time and effort to get world class images' want in a sensor? You, or the company that dominates the industry? If you think that the answer is you, that's ludicrous. Some people suggest that Sony and Nikon do make higher MP bodies, and while that's true, the fact is that Canon does dominate the industry so a smart competitor would make something the dominant player doesn't, specifically because they don't. It's why Sony moved to mirrorless in the first place, they were smart enough not to try and compete with Canon and Nikon in DSLRs. Of course, now Canon has committed fully to mirrorless, and they solidly lead that market segment now, as well.
That's perfectly fine. If you don't want it, don't buy it. I often ask people, if the higher MP count is so important to you, why are you still with Canon? You commented that you could afford two R1's if you wanted. So why haven't you bought a Fuji GFX with 100 MP? Or a Sony a7r5 with 60 MP? Or if you have, good for you!
Canon is going to make the cameras that their market research indicates people will buy. History has shown they are very, very good at making that determination. You're welcome to disagree with them, but odds are high that their assessment of the needs of professionals and amateurs is far, far more accurate than yours.