Apparently they still sell the Paperwhite 2 (same price), so people in those countries would probably buy that. I think making Paperwhite 2 100 bucks without changing its specifications would have been a better choice than to create a new Kindle version all together. Light is, as you said, essential and not only in Finland. Most people read books in bed, and light is essential there too. I can't imagine using Kindle without the front light.
I'm the opposite, I can't really imagine needing the light very often. A Kindle without a light should be about as readable as a book without a built-in light, and I rarely find myself in a situation where I can't read a book for lack of light.
It might be useful if I'm out camping or if I share a hotel room with someone who wants to sleep while I read, but most of the time I have a light source available.
Apparently they still sell the Paperwhite 2 (same price), so people in those countries would probably buy that. I think making Paperwhite 2 100 bucks without changing its specifications would have been a better choice than to create a new Kindle version all together. Light is, as you said, essential and not only in Finland. Most people read books in bed, and light is essential there too. I can't imagine using Kindle without the front light.