Personally I think playing with controller is quite smooth and relaxing. If you already have PS+, I think it worth spending a dozen of hours to have a try.

I’m sorry that I don’t understand it.

By default, all windows/mac/linux laptops will ask users to set up a password for log-in. This is not sufficient, but much better than password-less unlock

I have a steam deck an I love it, but I don’t think using it as a laptop is a good idea. Unlocking a steam deck doesn’t need a password (by default), just like Switch, GameBoy or PS Portable. If steam deck is lost, sensitive personal data can be accessed easily. Besides, I’d expect a higher risk of losing a steam deck, as I’d been playing it on various places like metro or train stations.

If you never take your steam deck out of your home, then it sounds sensible to use SD as a laptop

Fighting with bots is pretty hard. LWN has an article sharing their methods https://lwn.net/Articles/1008897/

Free upgrade is always great. Sadly, Tears of Kingdom is not on this list

I’m using https://skymoth.app/ so far so good

With my experience, different Costco stores have different experience. The closest store to me is small and messy, and SKUs are too limited so I had to go to other supermarkets after checkout. However, another store (10km away) is neat and clean. Although crowded, the checkout process is very smooth.

If the Costco you visited made you disappointed, I’d suggest to refund the membership. We’re paying to shop in Costco, and it’s fair to expect good shopping experience.

IHMO it’s not either-or. It’s both-and