The ic package Apple was using was supposed to be deprecated but Apple kept using it. The 12GB module that fits the same pin array was about 50 cents cheaper last year when the M3 launched. That could be since Apple bought all the packages or it could just be Apple scamming people. The package you need for 16 GB of RAM was also less than $5 more than the 8GB
I’m not sure how many kids will be into PC gaming when a low end Nvidia gpu is currently $550. I know that everything comes pre overclocked, and the 4070s still a good card even though it’s got a low and die in it it’s just depressing in the principle of it.
Maybe things like the steam deck will push kids into Linux since the mid-range gaming desktop is like two grand now.