I can't help but feel as though the people who agree with Apple's (and many copy cats) insistence on USB-C only and refusal to put a single USB A or HDMI port in the computer are simply out of touch. The only people I know who like it always cite the same thing: "docking stations". But if you had a laptop with 1 USB-C you could still use your docking station, but the _vast_ majority of users wouldn't have the struggle to find/buy/maintain/pack up/not lose their USB-C to HDMI and USB-A dongle. Every non-hardcore laptop user I know _hates_ not having a HDMI port and having to use a tiny dongle to plug in their mouse. And the desk docking stations they have all suck. They end up using 4k monitors at 30hz because their docking station can't handle it. And _they don't notice_ because their accustomed to computers sucking.
When I see a fat laptop with ports. I am happy.
The framework wins for me because of repairability. But I know countless people will love the customizability of the ports.
I guess I just don't use my laptop the way you do. I have 3 USB-C ports (and a micro SD slot), and that's it. Right now I have a power cable plugged into one, and my USB-C Yubikey plugged into another. I'll very occasionally use a USB network interface, but it's USB-C. I've replaced any micro-USB to USB-A cables that I still need with micro-to-C cables (I even have a mini-to-C cable for a serial converter breakout board). I don't consider this replacement much of a waste, as I've mostly just replaced them when the cables wear out or break.
I do have a USB-A wired mouse, but I only use that when I'm first-person gaming (not often, maybe 3-4 times a month). But for that I just have the A-to-C adapter permanently attached to the mouse, so it's not like I need to go find an adapter when I want to plug the mouse in.
Only other thing is HDMI, but I keep one of those white Apple dongles I got with a work laptop in the drawer under my TV (I probably pull it out once every 6 months or so). I don't use an external monitor for the most part, but for that I have another dongle permanently attached to the cable plugged into the monitor, so, again, that's not an inconvenience.
When I'm traveling, it's really nice that I only have to bring a single charger that charges both my laptop and phone. I'll usually also bring a Chromecast with me so I don't have to deal with cables at all if I want to watch something on a hotel/Airbnb TV. But that's pretty much all I need.
I don't think I'm "out of touch", though I certainly allow for the truth that other people have different needs than I do.
I never said anything about myself owning or using a laptop. I only spoke about the general public's use of laptops. You seem to have completely missed my point.
When I see a fat laptop with ports. I am happy.
The framework wins for me because of repairability. But I know countless people will love the customizability of the ports.