I still have not been able to afford a silicon Mac. However, over several years I have commented on the need for much more RAM than has been as 'standard' or 'base' level. My 2011 MacBook Pro 17" has 16gb RAM and my Mac Mini 2018 has 32gb RAM. In many cases, neither of these amounts are enough.
When I've written about this, professional Mac users have often responded that I shouldn't need more or I've read articles written for new users that have indicated the base RAM would be adequate for the average user - and I am little more than that, save perhaps that I do a lot of database work.
I was thus amazed when the M1 was introduced and suddenly 8mb was the standard again. I couldn't understand it and still don't. I thought it must be some 'magic' about the new architecture, (if that's what I should call it.)
Reading your article suggests that it isn't any real 'magic' and that as much RAM as possible is the best option, from the start, for most of us. Sadly, Apple charges like the proverbial wounded bull for increases in RAM. One would think that with their considerable profits and at the initial manufacturing stage, they could readily provide a substantial base level of RAM and storage for much less than the prices at which upgrades are charged.
To me, these low RAM and storage configurations are akin to selling a Land Rover with a 1.5 litre motor. Even the storage is abysmal. My Mac Mini has 256gb SSD and I can't give it more other than by attaching external drives, which I have done. Yet, if I were to rely on the Mini to accommodate my music library and photo library plus all else, I would run out of storage right away for 256 gb is totally inadequate. So, instead I have to store both photos and music on an external drive and most of my web and other files, too.
Yes my machines are old and I don't expect them to match current levels of performance or efficiency but as I bought each of them at around the 2yr age mark and have had this problem from the beginning, I don't think that is so relevant as it might be.
Products ought to be fit for purpose. The clone market of Windows running machines is replete with poor workmanship and limitations across the board. As someone who has used Apple computers since the Apple II+ and who still has a working SE, I expect more from Apple.
