This is so dependent on what a person is doing, that each person needs to make such a decision. It is also hard to estimate how Apple Silicon RAM amounts relate to our experience with Intel Macs. I’ve heard both positions, in the sense that more can be done with less RAM, but also when doing some things, more RAM gets utilized (ex: the GPU needs RAM that might have been separate on Intel Macs).
I would say, in my experience, Apple’s base configurations of RAM have been quite tight, and sometimes have limited the lifespan. I also have a 4GB MBA that I used for several years, and still use as a home server. But, I certainly couldn’t do several of the things in my workflow on it. I had it for portability alongside my iMac which had a lot more RAM.
Fast SSD storage does mean when you run out of RAM, you notice it less, and can often get by. But, for example, on my 2018 Mac mini with 16GB or RAM, I’m typically running 50-60% utilized, and that isn’t including when I need to run VMs or 3D/CAD. Just having several Chrome/Brave tabs going can eat up quite a bit of RAM, and then add in a half-dozen or more other apps I typically have running.
While I think many could get by with 8GB, and maybe even for the expected life of the machine (but what is that these days? 4 or 5 years? I used to think of Macs more like 6-10 year machines)? People should carefully consider whether they can afford bumping up at least one ‘notch’ above base-config on RAM.
