https://vyshane.com/2016/12/19/5-node-nano-itx-kubernetes-to...
I think that the exposed boards adds to its charm. Doesn't help with dust though.
One issue with caseless machines is the amount of RF they emit. Makes it hard to listen to any broadcast radio near one and probably disturbs the neighbours similarly.
I'm now using a cluster of NUCs which is considerably easier to deal with although quite a lot more expensive: https://rwmj.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/nuc-cluster-bring-up/
We almost got Verizon gigabit fiber a few years ago... then AT&T ran fiber to the front of my neighborhood last year, and then never ran it to the houses. As it is, I'm stuck with 10 mbps uplink, which is not enough to be able to do most of what I would want to do with a more powerful local cluster.