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It isn't free to design for serviceability. It can compromise heat transfer, have more assembly steps (more screws), increase the part count (access panels and gaskets).

That said, the newer Mac Mini is much better than the old one in this regard. Some steps were made to reorder the layers in the package, so you no longer have to remove ALL the screws (25? 30?)

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It's definitely a balance that needs to be achieved between function and form. I think Apple tends to lean too much towards the function part of the spectrum but I'm glad to hear the pendulum might be swinging slightly to the other direction.

When I read about Apple designing new screw heads (for example) which can only be unscrewed using a special screwdriver that kind of stuff makes me bristle though.

They've done that since the original Mac. Had to buy a 3rd-party kit with a 6-inch shaft, hex head with center pin. Just to open the case.

So they've been dicks for over a decade.

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