[eropple]

The downsides are pretty large: you're betting on using those plugs forever. With USB-C that is a better bet than USB-A, but...yeah. Better is the modular/drop-in approach and using through-panel connectors.

Cable hiding is cool, but even with a full wood shop I just attach raceways to things or at most route out a channel that I can attach silicone catches over top of, because the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

[ghaff]

Periodically I clean up my cabling including pulling out all the "cables to nowhere" that seem to accumulate over time.

My stereo system is worse. I periodically look at the rats nest of wiring and cables in the back--at least some of it to components that aren't in the rack any more--thinking to do something about it. But I then lie down until the feeling goes away. I know I would break stuff and it will end up being a tedious multiday project to get everything working again without much real benefit.

[eropple]

I definitely feel that. Buying a 3D printer helped a lot with this, for me (and also building custom furniture with the aforementioned cable tracks). I've been able to (for not a lot of money) print raceways and cable ports that keeps my basement rack a lot easier to deal with.

[ghaff]

My stereo system is also in a little "TV room." So I don't feel any particular urgency in making it presentable for company. :-)

[coffeebeqn]

Also most USB cables I buy these days seem to have a lifespan of 1-2 years before something disconnects somewhere and it needs to be replaced or soldered if you’re patient enough