You do have a point, the SSD is known to have very slow cache that Toms and others have reported dipping the sequential to 0MB/s

One could possibly get something like TeamGroup MP44L or SN580

Clever.

At least it's either optional or can use 3rd party app (Heroic for example)

Iirc that's the only Android Torrent client that could bound to specific network connection (just like qBittorrent on desktop systems)

Lastly do you think 8 Pro refurbs are fine for $700? Main concern is lack of RAM from S21FE which apps closed itself very frequently as soon as I switch from one to the other

At least Magic Earth has good policy though, no?

Aw shucks, the porter moved on from Lineage to develop more on e/os

Any alternative custom ROMs that are generally considered complete Google-free other than those 2?

Bruh that Energy Sword

It may be possible they are using something similar to Have I Been Pwned

I didn't downvote that

Iirc Apex Legends and Denuvo are never correlated (unless they added Denuvo AC at some point)

Doubt the price and support would be any helpful over Steam Decks