> I can't use my OS of choice on it, I can't use my software of choice on it, I can't upgrade or fix anything on it, and I can't trust the swap to not shred the SSD.
If your OS of choice is (Windows/Linux), Apple doesn't have a strong incentive to support it.
If your software of choice is x86 Docker, Apple doesn't have a strong incentive to support it.
As a company that makes money from hardware sales and prioritizes thin, light laptops, and has moved to SoC design for better battery life on said laptops, Apple de-prioritizes upgradability and fixability.
However, shredding the built-in SSD is a bug that I'd expect them to fix. I'd also expect them to replace the SSD if it fails.
> My assumption was that Apple would have these issues ironed out, especially on a product they were comfortable calling "Pro".
Apple's definition of "Pro" is probably different from yours. For Apple, "Pro" seems to mean "runs Apple's Pro apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Xcode." And even though the M1 Macbook and M1 Mac mini aren't called "Pro", they are still excellent machines for FCP, Logic, and Xcode.
Overall, it sounds like Macs and macOS may not be a good fit for you.
