> Even M1 macs (I have one and love it), while powerful, just can’t hold a candle to a workstation class machine
Not really true. My M1 Pro is performance-wise very close to my previous desktop based Ryzen 5900X, but: 1. It doesn't take space on or below my desk 2. Auxiliary screen it provides is useful 3. I can unplug it any time and continue working from anywhere with the same performance, without having to sync up the development environment.
Before M1 Macs I would concur, but right now the major reason to pick desktop is Linux availability (which is a subject to change with Asahi), not performance.