I have another theory
I have one, and I do use it, but I dont think its mystery why Qi pads havent taken off
1. they cost more than a standard cable
2. most are slower than a standard cable
3. for the environmentally concious they take up more resources than a cable and are less energy efficient
4. its just one more item of clutter in the home - and it still needs the same cable sticking out of it
5. its a proper first world problem that doesnt really need a solution (it not actually that hard to plug in a phone esp usb c)
6 if you charge on the move its yet another thing to take with you
7 if you charge in multiple locations and dont take one with you thats multiple more charging pads to buy