I don't think everyone has forgotten that. Many people just question whether it was a good decision for Apple to try to compete directly with a mature Google Maps using such a new offering.

Exactly. Which is why you shouldn't expect Apple Maps to become "good enough" at least for the next 2-3 years, no matter what Apple says at every next event. Google also has 1100 employees working on Maps and 6000 contractors. Apple has about 100.

The thing is that nobody cares about where Google is now (including Apple).

Getting to where Google was a couple of years ago is the goal. Things like street view, going underwater, interior building plans etc are icing on the cake. But all Apple needs is just the cake.