Gen 1 X13 currently go for 100-150 bucks, they are the best value but compiling time is gonna be pretty trash

I think there are two sides to this.

1. You are right, I’d rather just get them on Windows 11 Enterprise IoT LTSC than goddamn ChromeOS.

2. ChromeOS will likely lower the bar for switching to a Linux distro so you might consider it a stepping stone. A stepping stone with nails and spiders coming out of it, but still a stepping stone nonetheless.