But then you have a 5 year old laptop that’s going to lose official Apple software support in 5 years and become a paperweight unless you install your choice of ONE Linux distro.

If you don’t specifically have a memory bandwidth-constrained workflow this doesn’t matter at all and having upgradable memory is still better for most people.

If Framework starts using CAMM modules or releases a Ryzen AI board with soldered RAM this difference is lessened/disappears.