I kind of agree with what you're saying on creality, but if you look at their core xy machines compared to other manufacturers of a similar price point, it's just not worth it (K1).

To your point about larger size, Qidi XMAX3 is where it's at. It's rock solid and customer support is amazing. They've sent me free parts due to clogs and helped diagnose issues on the printer (this is what Creality lacks, support). It runs on Klipper and is easily modified, and it's fully enclosed with a heater.

I also think a "beginner" machine has shifted. Most people want to print, not maintain. And now we have plenty of machines that need little maintenance.

Creality machines do excel at tinkering, swapping parts, and doing fun mods. But you need to know that's what you want when going in. Even then for a beginner I'd say get something rock solid for your first printer, and get a tinkering machine for your second.

I agree with everything you're saying about filament. The only thing to use CF with is Nylon if you need it to be a little more rigid, but it will eat your nozzle.

ASA and ABS won't only smell, it will poison you. Do not hang out if you can smell it.

As per Amazon and their return policy, totally true. If you're not buying there make sure they have a solid customer support, like Qidi and Bambu. Creality wouldn't take a return for the world.