Lots of typical MR forum hate from people who either don't own the product, are cheap, or particular.
I've used this design and the previous one for years with no issues whatsoever. This version is more reliable since the ports are fixed instead of attached via set screws. If you "missed" a dock with the previous version it'd push the connectors down and then things wouldn't connect right until you reset them.
I have seen no issues with screen damage due to heat, and I've used these docks for seven years. They do not block any vents, and the air goes sideways-then-up, instead of up through the chassis as it would if you were using the cheaper / simpler metal docks with the back end on the bottom. Point-by-point:
- Using this with an MBP 16 and a problematic internal microphone: Use a headset.
- Reduces ports: Nope. Duplicates the two it uses. Does not reduce. -1.
- Executive jewelry: It's for a Mac. Duh.
- Scratches the ports: If you're wanting to maximize your resale value by keeping it absolutely pristine, yup, this isn't for you. I like the convenience better than the resale value, and my ports work fine with slight scratches that are only visible when I'm really looking for them.
- A simpler laptop stand works just as well: True, to a point. With other designs you have to manually connect/disconnect cables each time you use it. That introduces wear & scratches too. Is this dock worth the premium? It's for a Mac. Duh.
- A built-in fan would definitely be new, but I don't see any indication of that on their website. It has vents, not fans.
I like them because they look cool, work well, and provide clean, easy connects and disconnects from my peripherals.
Mac people complaining about overpriced peripherals makes me smile.