This is something I want to get over too. The "top model" mindset argument you mentioned runs in my head 24x7 rent-free even after getting my M3 MBP. I wonder if trading the fans for the lighter weight and device thickness be worth it. I feel most of the times, we are simply future-proofing for no reason. At this point, all M-chips are supremely fast and difficult to tell apart so maybe the MBA is an awesome deal after all for all use cases.

Waiting for your M4 MBA review and comparison with the iPad Pro. Thanks for sharing this story, Manav!