in putting more than 2GB RAM inside a computer

Load the OS on ram, the rest can run fine on swap according to some here.
8GB might be enough for some, but literary the last comment in the “still rocking m1” forum thread:
And that whole thread gives you a nice insight: most people “still” rocking m1 have 16gb or more. The 8GB are itching to upgrade or already did….
That is one of my main points: build quality, processor, screen, trackpad, keyboard are great. Will last very long. Battery can get replaced after a while. But 8GB ram is holding back how long you can use it for. My bet: MacOS 27 will have features that will require 12GB or more.