I don’t think its completely unnecessary, it helps save some time

No mention of Firewatch so I’ll be the first to say it, it caught me off gaurd how good it was.

Only thing to add to what has already been said: Office related stuff will be your biggest issue. Personally I suffer a lot with the web version of the Office apps, so I recommend dual boot or VM for when using office.

I would only be swapping once and then having the windows SSD in the USB C hub. Would you still recommend that I install the SSD straight away in the laptop and set it up from there?

I first read this as “Need to find a minor”

I’m both surprised and happy to see Oaxaca cheese in this list

Actually that’s pretty close to the proper pronouncation wah-kha-ka

Can you elaborate on the second point?